A young man from Gobarai Khas village in Deoria district became the victim of a horrific public assault and humiliation on November 29, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage after a video surfaced online. The victim was brutally beaten, abused on camera, and forced to lick a pair of slippers by a group of four youths.
The Horrific Sequence of Events
According to the police complaint filed by the victim's mother, the ordeal began around 3 pm when her son was on his way to the market. He was intercepted by four youths from Sakrapar and Gobarai Khas villages. The group allegedly launched a vicious attack, assaulting him with kicks, punches, and belts. The assailants did not stop at physical violence; they subjected him to intense public humiliation, forcing him to lick a slipper while recording the act.
The disturbing video shows the terrified victim pleading for mercy with folded hands, but his appeals fell on deaf ears as the beating continued. The trauma for the family did not end there. Hours after the initial assault, the same group allegedly attacked the victim's home, pelting stones, attempting to break the gate, and issuing death threats, which escalated tension throughout the area.
Swift Police Action and Arrests
The video of the assault went viral on social media on Monday, triggering public anger and prompting swift action from the Deoria Police. Acting on the formal complaint, police registered an FIR under various stringent sections of the law.
Deoria SP Sanjeev Suman stated that based on a tip-off, police arrested 19-year-old Abhay Yadav. During his arrest, a countrymade .315-bore pistol was recovered from his possession, leading to a separate FIR under the Arms Act. Police investigations revealed that Abhay Yadav is a habitual offender with an extensive criminal record. His past includes serious charges such as attempt to murder, assault, violations of the Arms Act, and multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) across Deoria and Kushinagar districts.
Another accused, 26-year-old Mukesh, has also been taken into custody. Furthermore, the police have issued notices to two juveniles, aged 15 and 16, involved in the crime.
Community Outrage and Legal Repercussions
The brazen nature of the crime, captured and circulated for public viewing, has caused deep shock and anger among local residents and netizens alike. The incident highlights alarming concerns about mob mentality and public violence.
The police's prompt response in identifying and arresting the accused, including a known criminal, has been noted. The case is now under thorough investigation, with authorities examining all angles of the assault and the subsequent attack on the victim's residence. The arrests signal a firm stance against such acts of public brutality and intimidation.
