Two Muslim Men Publicly Humiliated in Shimla Amid Tensions Over POCSO Case

Shimla: A disturbing incident in the Sanjauli area of Shimla has drawn widespread attention after two Muslim men were allegedly publicly humiliated and paraded through the streets by members of a local group linked to the Vishva Hindu Parishad.

The incident took place on June 6 and was reportedly carried out by members of the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti. The group claimed its actions were connected to allegations commonly referred to as “love jihad,” a controversial and disputed theory involving interfaith relationships.

The controversy began after a complaint was filed by the family of a 16 year old girl against Ubaid, a 22 year old tailor from Uttar Pradesh. Following the complaint, police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Ubaid was subsequently arrested.

However, according to police, the two Muslim men who were later targeted by the group had no connection to the case and were not named in the complaint. Despite this, they were allegedly taken from a separate shop, paraded through the local market, and subjected to public humiliation.

Videos of the incident quickly circulated on social media, showing the two men being marched through the streets. Reports also indicated that CCTV cameras installed at the shop were damaged during the episode.

Authorities later confirmed that the two men were unrelated to the original investigation. Following the incident, police arrested those involved in the public humiliation.

On June 7, supporters of the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti staged a protest by blocking the Sanjauli Shimla road and demanded the release of those arrested. Reports suggested that the minor complainant was also brought to the protest in support of the demand.

Police have urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation and stated that the matter is being investigated according to the law.