Several residents from Uttar Pradesh were paraded in Shimla on Saturday by local residents following allegations that a man from UP had harassed and blackmailed a 16-year-old girl, officials said.
Complaint Filed by Victim's Father
According to the police, the father of the girl filed a complaint against a UP resident who runs a shop in Shimla. The complaint accuses the man of harassing his daughter and blackmailing her by showing a video in which she was seen talking to another person.
Police Action
Taking cognizance of the matter, the police registered a case under Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). An investigation has been initiated.
SSP Warns Against Mob Justice
Shimla SSP Gaurav Singh confirmed the report and stated that while the investigation is underway, police noticed reports of some individuals being publicly paraded and assaulted. He emphasized that no complaint was filed against those who were paraded, nor were they mentioned by the girl in her statement.
SSP Singh warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone involved in intimidation, assault, mob justice, unlawful activities, or interference with the ongoing investigation. He urged the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
The incident highlights the dangers of vigilante justice and the importance of allowing legal processes to take their course. Police are continuing their investigation into the original harassment complaint while also probing the acts of the mob.
