The Tulinj police in Vasai have taken legal action against four individuals following the circulation of a disturbing video on social media platforms. The footage, which went viral on Thursday, depicted a group of men assaulting and publicly parading a man while he was dressed only in his inner-wear.
Background of the Incident
The victim, identified as Suraj Rajeshirke, had previously uploaded a video containing offensive language directed at prominent political figures Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. This online content allegedly triggered the subsequent confrontation.
Confrontation at the Residence
A group consisting of six to seven men, who claimed affiliation with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, reportedly traced Rajeshirke to his home located in Nalasopara East. The viral video captures the tense standoff at his doorstep.
Key moments from the video include:
- The group is seen standing outside, forcefully demanding that Rajeshirke come out.
- Rajeshirke and his family members are visibly holding the door from inside, attempting to prevent entry.
- The assailants eventually succeed in bringing him out and proceed to parade him towards the Tulinj police station.
Unclear Circumstances and Police Action
An official statement noted that it remains unclear whether the group stripped Rajeshirke of his clothing or if he was already in his inner-wear during the incident. Prior to the video gaining widespread attention, the group had registered a non-cognisable complaint against Rajeshirke at the police station on Thursday.
However, after the video circulated widely and drew public outrage, the Tulinj police escalated their response. They filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the four accused individuals based on the evidence presented in the viral footage.
Current Status of the Case
As of the latest updates, no arrests have been made in connection with the assault. The police investigation is ongoing to identify all individuals involved and gather further evidence. This case highlights the serious consequences of online content and the vigilantism it can sometimes provoke.
The incident has sparked discussions about digital behavior, political sensitivities, and the appropriate legal channels for addressing grievances, rather than taking matters into one's own hands.
