Public shaming of accused
Jammu: The controversial public shaming of an alleged thief by Jammu Police in Bakshi Nagar has triggered widespread public and political debate across the region.
The man, accused of stabbing a civilian and stealing ₹40,000, was paraded through the streets with shoes around his neck — a spectacle that has since polarized opinion.
While a section of the public, and organizations like the Bajrang Dal, have hailed the police action as a strong deterrent to crime, concerns around legality, human rights, and public conduct have also come to the forefront — including within political circles.
Notably, two senior BJP leaders from Jammu, both sitting MLAs — Arvind Gupta and Yudhvir Sethi — have expressed differing views on the matter, highlighting a broader conversation on crime control, civil liberties, and due process in Jammu and Kashmir.
MLA Arvind Gupta criticized the Jammu Police’s method, urging law enforcement agencies to uphold the dignity of the legal process.
“I do not appreciate what the police did. Law and order must be upheld within the framework of the law. Parading an accused person publicly, stripping them, or garlanding them with shoes is not justice — it could have lasting psychological effects and may push them further into crime,” he said.
Gupta emphasized the need for judicial due process, stating, “We have courts and a legal system. If someone commits a crime, let the judiciary handle it. This kind of street justice sends the wrong message, especially to younger generations.”
He also warned against the communal color being given to the issue, remarking that “some elements are trying to use this for cheap publicity or to stoke Jammu vs. Kashmir sentiments — which is both dangerous and unnecessary.”
In sharp contrast, fellow BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi strongly defended the police action, arguing that stern measures are needed to control street crimes and drug-related offenses.
“I salute the Jammu Police. This man stabbed someone and stole ₹40,000 — why should society sympathize with such criminals? Parading them publicly serves as a warning to others,” Sethi asserted.
He cautioned, however, that such actions should never be applied to innocent individuals, and due diligence must be maintained. Yet, in cases where guilt is apparent, he believes tough public action can serve as a social deterrent.
Sethi also rejected any communal interpretation of the incident: “A thief is a thief — whether from Jammu or Kashmir. Crime has no religion. Those communalizing the issue are misleading society.”
He also drew attention to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inclusive development agenda, “The benefits of governance are for all, regardless of religion or region. We must focus on strengthening law enforcement, especially with rising drug use and street crime.”
