A controversial police action in Gujarat’s Patan district has triggered outrage after 18 alleged members of an extortion gang were tied with ropes, taken out in public, and beaten during a crime scene reconstruction. The episode, being described as an act of “street justice”, has left the region in shock.
The video showed the accused being paraded through the very streets where they had earlier been accused of spreading fear. The group, believed to be linked to the Jhiliya gang, was brought to Chanasma as part of the investigation.
During the reconstruction, police personnel were seen assaulting the accused in full public view, with locals claiming it was meant to “teach them a lesson”. The images and videos from the scene quickly drew attention, raising questions over the methods used.
The development comes shortly after a violent confrontation involving the same group, in which they allegedly attacked a police team, forcing officers to retreat. That incident, captured on video, had gone viral and sparked criticism of the police response.
Police said the clash stemmed from a dispute over temple donations last Sunday. According to officials, the accused, armed with sharp weapons, attacked local residents and also targeted a police PCR van.
In the aftermath of that incident, disciplinary action was taken against eight personnel from Chanasma Police Station, including a Police Inspector, an Assistant Sub-Inspector, a Head Constable and five members of the Gram Rakshak Dal.
Authorities confirmed that 18 accused have since been detained and brought in for reconstruction of the crime scene, while the main accused in the extortion case remain absconding. Senior officials said teams are working to trace them, adding that further action will follow as the investigation moves ahead.
