Khargone, Sep 3 (PTI) A man suspected of stealing cash and jewellery was allegedly beaten up and paraded half-naked through a village in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district with a box of stolen valuables placed on his head.
A video of the incident went viral on Thursday.
The incident occurred in Tokna Beda village under the Bhikangaon police station area on Wednesday and came to light after the video was circulated on social media.
Police have launched an investigation into the alleged assault and public humiliation.
According to police, Rahul, who allegedly has nine criminal cases registered against him, was caught by villagers several kilometres away from the village after a resident, Rakesh Senani, reported that two boxes containing cash and jewellery had gone missing from his house.
Senani had gone to drop his daughter at a hostel and found the boxes missing when he returned, following which villagers began searching for the suspected thief.
The villagers allegedly caught Rahul with the boxes and assaulted him. During his questioning, he allegedly told them that he had sold around 1.10 kg of stolen silver jewellery to a local jeweller, Pranav Soni.
The villagers tied Rahul up, placed one of the stolen boxes on his head and paraded him through the village to the jewellery shop. His pants were removed and he was paraded in his underwear, according to the viral video and police sources.
The situation reportedly escalated after the group reached the jeweller’s shop, following which police were informed.
A police team then reached the spot to bring the situation under control.
Police arrested Rahul and also registered a case against the jeweller for allegedly purchasing the stolen jewellery. Police recovered and seized the silver ornaments purchased by him.
Police are also investigating the villagers’ alleged assault and public parading of Rahul. A complaint in this regard has been received, and the viral video is being examined to identify those involved in the incident.
Further legal action will be taken against the persons identified during the investigation, police said. PTI COR LAL NP
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