Public parading of accused in Surat draws constitutional rights challenge

By A Representative 

The Minority Coordination Committee (MCC) Gujarat has issued a legal contempt notice to senior officials of the Government of Gujarat following the incident of public parading and custodial torture in Surat’s Althan area on April 25, 2026. The notice, signed by MCC Convenor Mujahid Nafees, has been addressed to the Chief Secretary of Gujarat, the Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department), the Director General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police, Surat City. 

It demands immediate departmental, disciplinary, punitive, and criminal action against police officers accused of parading Mohmad Aziz Sheikh and subjecting him to custodial violence.  

According to the MCC, video clips, photographs, and newspaper reports widely circulated since April 25 show Sheikh being publicly humiliated and assaulted by police personnel. The committee described the incident as an illegal extra‑judicial punishment carried out under the guise of “reconstruction.” The MCC argues that such treatment violates Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life and dignity. 

Despite the evidence in the public domain, the notice states that no effective action has been taken against the responsible officers, reflecting what it calls a serious failure of law enforcement authorities.  

The incident itself began when Sheikh allegedly harassed a minor girl returning from coaching classes in Althan. Locals caught him, thrashed him, tore his clothes, and paraded him publicly before handing him over to police. Videos of the assault and humiliation circulated widely, sparking outrage. A mob of several hundred people later gathered outside Althan police station demanding custody of the accused. 

Police rescued Sheikh multiple times from mob attacks, registered an FIR under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act, and used mild force to disperse crowds. During the reconstruction of the crime scene, Sheikh was allegedly paraded in public under police watch, which MCC has condemned as custodial torture and a violation of human rights.  

Local BJP representatives and senior police officials were present at the site, attempting to pacify crowds and restore order. 

The MCC press note emphasizes that mob justice and custodial violence undermine the rule of law, and that the authorities have failed to act despite clear evidence. Mujahid Nafees has demanded that investigative and monitoring mechanisms be activated immediately, that an independent and impartial inquiry be conducted, and that disciplinary and punitive measures be taken against those responsible.