Mob Justice in Surajpur: Man Paraded with Shaved Head Over Theft Suspicion

Viral video sparks outrage as couple subjected to public humiliation in Chhattisgarh; police initiate investigation into Pasta village incident.

SURAJPUR: In a harrowing instance of mob justice reported from Chhattisgarh’s Surajpur district, a 32-year-old man was allegedly thrashed, partially tonsured, and paraded half-naked through a village over suspicions of theft. The victim, identified as Mohammed Rahman Taj, was subjected to the ordeal in Pasta village under the Ramanujnagar police station limits, where locals accused him of stealing wires from a solar power system.

The incident, which took place in full public view, has drawn widespread condemnation after videos of the humiliation surfaced on social media. According to reports, the victim’s wife was also allegedly harassed and threatened with sexual violence when she attempted to intervene.

Village Panchayat turns violent

The confrontation began when the Pasta village Sarpanch’s husband and local residents summoned Rahman to the village for a "settlement" regarding the alleged theft. Rahman, a resident of Kalyanpur, arrived at the village with his wife, expecting a discussion.

However, the situation escalated rapidly as a mob gathered and seized the couple. Eyewitness accounts and viral footage indicate that the villagers forcibly shaved half of Rahman's head and placed a garland of shoes around his neck before parading him through the streets.

Allegations of physical assault

The victim’s wife alleged that the mob did not spare her during the chaos. Speaking to local media, she claimed that they were both physically assaulted and that the perpetrators issued death threats.

"We were called to the Panchayat by the Sarpanch's husband. As soon as we reached, they started beating my husband and humiliated him in front of everyone," she stated, adding that the attackers threatened her with rape when she pleaded for mercy.

Police launch formal probe

Following the incident, the victim's father approached the Ramanujnagar police station to lodge a formal complaint. He maintained that his son was framed under false charges and that the villagers took the law into their own hands based on mere hearsay.

The Surajpur police have confirmed that an investigation is underway. Preliminary findings suggest that locals had previously spotted the youth in the area and suspected him of reconnaissance for theft, leading to the targeted attack when he returned the following day.

Official stance on vigilantism

Responding to the allegations, the Sarpanch’s husband reportedly claimed that the "anger of the villagers" led to the incident. However, law enforcement officials have reiterated that vigilante justice is a criminal offense.

"We have received the complaint and the viral videos are being analyzed to identify the primary instigators," a senior police official said. Strict action is expected against those found guilty of rioting and outraging the modesty of a woman.

Rising concerns over mob fury

This incident highlights a disturbing trend of extrajudicial punishments in rural pockets of the state. Only recently, a similar case was reported from the Gaurela-Pendra-Marhwahi district, where a widow was stripped and paraded over a personal dispute.

Public interest story advocates and legal experts have called for more stringent patrolling and faster judicial intervention to curb such acts of mob fury that bypass the constitutional legal framework.

Future course of action

As the Surajpur administration moves to restore order in Pasta village, the police are expected to record the statements of the victims under Section 164 of the CrPC. The health condition of the victim is being monitored following the physical assault.

Further arrests are likely as the investigation broadens to include those who filmed and circulated the video, potentially attracting charges under the IT Act alongside sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).