Avinash Azad
In a scathing indictment of Jammu and Kashmir Police’s (JKP) recent conduct, two practicing lawyers have approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), seeking immediate intervention over what they describe as “gross and unconstitutional acts” of public shaming, abuse, and vigilante-style punishment of accused individuals.
The move follows the circulation of disturbing videos on social media showing Jammu police personnel parading suspected criminals in public, one of them tied to the bonnet of a police vehicle and another made to wear a garland of shoes — actions the petitioners call a “street theatre of shame” carried out under official supervision.
NHRC Complaint: Legal Fraternity Sounds Alarm
In a formal representation to NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Advocate Nikhil Padha (High Court of J&K and Ladakh) and Advocate Sonam Gupta, (Supreme Court of India) submitted a detailed complaint citing multiple instances of custodial abuse and public humiliation at the hands of JKP.
“We write to you with grave concern and utmost urgency… police personnel have engaged in unconstitutional acts of public shaming and parade-like punishments of accused persons,” the complaint reads.
The complaint outlines two major incidents:
Gangyal Beating (June 11–12, 2025): Videos show three handcuffed individuals allegedly beaten and marched through Gangyal, with officers seen slapping and caning them.
Garland of Shoes Parade (June 24, 2025): In central Jammu, a theft suspect was reportedly forced to wear a garland of shoes and paraded publicly with locals cheering on — in full view and control of the police. Both incidents were widely reported by media outlets, including ABP News, Daily Excelsior, and The Tribune.
“Abuse First, Probe Later”: Lawyer Questions State’s Intent
Speaking exclusively to The Hidden News, Advocate Nikhil Padha didn’t mince words:
“Three public acts of abuse — the Gangyal beating, the garland-of-shoes parade, and now a man tied to a bonnet — lay bare a dangerous transformation of police work into street theatre,” Padha said.
“No FIR has been registered despite these acts clearly violating Section 198 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which criminalises assault by a public servant on a person in custody. Where is the arrest? Where is the suspension? Where is the accountability?”
He further described the internal probe ordered by JKP as “a masterclass in appearing lawful while bypassing the law itself.”
Bonnet Parade Goes Viral, SSP Orders Probe
In the latest twist, the Jammu Police were again caught in controversy after a video surfaced showing a suspected thief paraded tied to the bonnet of a police vehicle in Bakshi Nagar. The video, now viral, triggered public outrage and forced the hand of the district police chief.
In a public statement, SSP Jammu ordered an inquiry, entrusting the probe to SDPO City North, with a promise to submit findings within a week.
“Jammu Police firmly believes in upholding the rule of law… Any non-professional approach will not be tolerated. Appropriate departmental/legal action will be taken,” the statement reads. However, rights activists and legal experts remain skeptical.
Legal Fallout Looms Over JKP
The complaint submitted to NHRC demands:
Suo motu cognizance of all three public abuse cases;
Notices to DGP J&K and concerned officers;
An independent probe with protection for victims;
Disciplinary and criminal action against the officials involved; Mandatory training for police in human dignity, custodial rights, and lawful procedure.
“This isn’t about protecting criminals,” said Advocate Sonam Gupta. “It’s about protecting the Constitution. Due process isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of justice. What we are seeing is mob justice with uniforms.”
A State on Trial With the NHRC now formally moved, and multiple human rights violations allegedly recorded on camera, the Jammu & Kashmir Police finds itself under intense scrutiny. The question now: will these events spark genuine accountability — or will “internal inquiries” continue to serve as institutional cover for public disgrace?
