Uttarakhand Police Face Backlash After Public Display of Two Murder Suspects

In a controversial move, the Uttarakhand Police publicly displayed two men accused of murdering a 22-year-old Bachelor of Technology student in Dehradun. The incident has drawn significant media attention and raised questions regarding police conduct, particularly in the context of human rights.

The suspects, identified as Prahlad Raj and Ankur Singh, were apprehended in West Bengal and brought back to Uttarakhand for questioning. They are linked to the murder of Divyanshu Jatrana, whose life was tragically cut short following a brawl between rival student factions on March 23. During the altercation, Jatrana sustained severe injuries and later succumbed to them while receiving medical treatment.

On Saturday, the police organized a public parade of the two suspects, forcing them to walk barefoot and handcuffed for approximately two kilometers through crowded streets. Reports indicate that they were subjected to physical assault during this procession. Videos circulating on social media depict the suspects in distress, pleading for forgiveness as they were paraded in front of the gathering crowd. This display has prompted widespread condemnation, with many questioning the legality and morality of such actions by law enforcement.

Premnagar Police Station’s in-charge, Naresh Rathore, justified the harsh treatment by stating, “This is what happens to those who commit crimes,” reflecting a zero-tolerance approach to crime in the region. However, critics argue that such measures undermine the principles of justice and due process.

In total, the police have identified 15 individuals implicated in the murder case, with four having been previously arrested. Following the capture of Raj and Singh, nine suspects remain at large. The incident not only highlights the ongoing issues of student violence in educational institutions but also raises concerns about police methods and accountability in handling criminal cases.

Source: scroll.in