Key Takeaways
- Indian police publicly thrashed a man accused of beating his partner to death.
- The incident drew mixed reactions as footage spread online.
- Police claim the beating was to set an example for crimes against women.
Indian police in Gujarat publicly beat a man accused of killing his partner, according to local media reports. The incident, captured on video and widely shared online, has sparked controversy.
The man, identified by police as Faizal Lakhani, was arrested in Bhavnagar, a town in Gujarat state. He was taken to the scene of the alleged crime on Friday, where he was beaten in front of witnesses.
Footage shows Lakhani’s arms restrained by ropes as a uniformed officer repeatedly struck his legs and buttocks with a bamboo baton. He was also beaten on his feet inside a bus terminal.
Police officer DP Unadkat claimed the beating was to set an example, stating, 'We beat him to set an example that crime against women will be taken seriously and nobody else dares to commit such a crime.'
Unadkat added, 'When we do this, they fear the police,' according to The Indian Express.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions. Some social media users praised the police action, while others denounced the officers' methods, arguing that the man had not yet been found guilty of the crime.
Bhavnagar police chief Nitesh Pandey declined to comment on the incident, telling AFP, 'I have nothing to comment.'
Public parading and beatings of suspects by police are not uncommon in India, despite Supreme Court rulings prohibiting such treatment. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in enforcing legal standards in some regions.
We beat him to set an example that crime against women will be taken seriously and nobody else dares to commit such a crime.
DP Unadkat, Police officer
I have nothing to comment.
Nitesh Pandey, Bhavnagar police chief
