Ahmedabad: A photograph purportedly showing two accused persons tied to a tree inside the Sanand police station compound triggered a controversy after it went viral, raising concerns regarding alleged custodial punishment and public humiliation. The two accused, both around 20 years old, were arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a 22-year-old woman. According to police, the men had been harassing her for nearly three months, taking photographs and videos of her and threatening her. The case reportedly escalated when the accused allegedly teased and abused the woman in front of her fiance while the couple had gone out to eat.Sanand police inspector B T Gohil said the accused were booked for stalking and sexual harassment. “The complainant alleged that the harassment was extreme and had caused her immense mental stress,” he said.Gohil admitted that one of the accused was beaten, but said the action took place in the backdrop of the allegations against them. The complainant also supported the police action, saying it had finally ended the harassment she had been facing.The viral photograph has sparked a debate online since Supreme Court has repeatedly stated that police cannot subject accused persons to physical punishment or public humiliation. Gujarat Police had also circulated instructions in recent years reiterating that officers must not assault accused or parade them publicly.
