Taking serious note of the alleged public parading of arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders with a rope tied around his waist, the Calcutta High Court on Thursday questioned the conduct of the police and sought a detailed report from the state government on allegations of “over-zealousness” and harassment of detainees.

Expressing concern over reports of inhumane treatment, the Court directed the state to submit a comprehensive report within four weeks, explaining the circumstances and justification behind such actions. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled after four weeks.

Controversial incidents trigger judicial scrutiny

The Court’s intervention follows a series of controversial incidents in which accused individuals were allegedly subjected to public humiliation. In Kanchrapara, under North 24 Parganas district, police from Bijpur station reportedly paraded Trinamool Youth Congress leader Abhijit Roy—arrested in connection with extortion and arms cases—through the streets with a rope tied around his waist, as onlookers shouted “Thief! Thief!”

A similar incident had earlier taken place in Howrah, where district police allegedly paraded an accused, Akash Singh, through the streets dressed only in a vest and shorts during what was described as a “crime scene reconstruction.”

Meanwhile, the matter has also come under the scrutiny of the Human Rights Commission. During the hearing, the Commission informed the Court that it had already registered a formal complaint and initiated an independent investigation into the alleged misconduct by police personnel.

Legal concerns over custodial treatment

Legal experts have underscored that the Supreme Court of India has laid down clear guidelines prohibiting any form of degrading or inhumane treatment of individuals in custody.

Public parading of detainees—especially with restraints such as ropes or handcuffs—is not permissible except under rare and exceptional circumstances.

Critics argue that such acts amount to “public shaming” and represent a serious deviation from the rule of law, emphasising that the authority to punish lies solely with the judiciary, not the police.

With the High Court now seeking accountability, the state government’s response is expected to be closely watched as questions mount over policing practices and custodial rights in West Bengal.

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