Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: A disturbing case of mob justice and public humiliation has sparked widespread outrage in Ujjain after a 16-year-old boy was allegedly stripped naked, tied with ropes, and paraded for nearly 1.5 kilometres by members of a girl’s family.
The incident occurred on Thursday but came to light on Friday after a video of the ordeal went viral on social media, prompting swift police intervention.
Teen Relationship Led to Violent Retaliation
Police officials said the minor, a resident of Panwasa on Maksi Road, was in a relationship with a girl of the same age from the same locality. The two had reportedly eloped around three months ago, but later surrendered at a police station.
According to the boy, he was sent to jail, while the girl was placed in a juvenile home. After being released about a month later, he moved to Dewas with his specially abled mother to stay with his aunt.
Ambushed While Seeking Help for Ailing Mother
On Thursday, the boy returned to Ujjain after his mother’s health suddenly deteriorated. He went to the Shri Synthetics area to meet a friend and arrange money for her medical treatment.
It was there, the teenager alleged, that members of the girl’s family ambushed him.
Stripped, Assaulted and Paraded in Public
The boy accused Bhola Bairagi, Seema Bairagi, Rahul Bairagi, Rudraksh Bairagi and Vishnu Bairagi of brutally assaulting him. He alleged that the group tore off his clothes, tied his hands with a rope, and paraded him naked from the Shankarpur area to the Panwasa police station, covering a distance of approximately 1.5 km.
The accused reportedly threatened to kill him if he ever returned to Ujjain. The boy said he begged for help from people along the route, but no one came forward to intervene.
Police Action and Arrests
On Friday, the teenager and his disabled mother approached the Ujjain Police Control Room to file a complaint.
Confirming the action taken, Additional Superintendent of Police Alok Sharma said that four individuals were found to be directly involved in stripping and publicly parading the minor.
“An FIR has been registered, and all four accused have been arrested,” Sharma said, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
Renewed Debate on Mob Justice
The incident has reignited concerns over mob vigilantism, public shaming, and the safety of minors, with rights groups demanding strict punishment to deter such acts of violence and humiliation.