Shimla, Oct 22
The Himachal Pradesh Police have taken strict action against five individuals involved in the brutal assault of a hawker in the Dhami area of Shimla district. The incident, which came to light after a video went viral on social media, shows a group of local youths physically assaulting a hawker and forcing him to kneel in submission. One of the accused can be heard threatening the victim with a sword, warning him of further harm.
The video, widely circulated, sparked outrage across the state, with many condemning the act and demanding justice. Among the accused are Sanjeev Kumar, Vishal, Adarsh, Harikrishna (also known as Veraagi), and Harish Sharma, all residents of Dhami. The Shimla Police have since registered an FIR under sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 196, 353, and 351 (3), and have initiated a thorough investigation into the matter.
A spot identification parade was conducted on Monday, during which the accused were identified, and the scene of the assault was recreated. The police are determined to take stringent action against the perpetrators, with multiple rounds of interrogation being conducted. The accused were questioned for several hours on Sunday and again at the Baluganj police station on Monday. Further questioning is scheduled for the following day as part of the ongoing investigation.
The victim, who belongs to a particular community, has undergone medical examination, and his statement has been recorded. He has demanded that the culprits face appropriate legal consequences for their actions. The incident has drawn attention due to its violent and communal nature, further intensifying concerns in the region.
This incident comes amid a growing climate of vigilantism in Himachal Pradesh, where some political figures have publicly criticized vendors and hawkers, labeling them as outsiders and wrongfully associating them with criminal activities. Such rhetoric has contributed to the rise of unlawful behavior, as seen in this case, forcing the police to remain vigilant against elements that could disrupt communal harmony.
While Dhami and surrounding areas have traditionally seen peaceful coexistence, this incident has raised concerns about a potential shift in the social fabric. The Himachal Pradesh Police, in response, have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order, assuring that justice will be served without delay.
Public reaction to the viral video has been overwhelmingly critical, with many demanding swift and severe action against the accused to prevent future instances of such unlawful and divisive behavior.
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