IHRO Media Head Yaqoob Dunoo Condemns Public Humiliation of thief in Jammu

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

**Calls Act of Shoe Garland “Unethical and Unconstitutional,” Urges Authorities to Uphold Human Dignity and Rule of Law**

SRINAGAR JUNE 25:-Mohammad Yaqoob Dunoo, Media Head of the International Human Rights Organization (IHRO), has strongly condemned the public humiliation of a thief who was caught red-handed by Bakshi Nagar Police while attempting to commit theft in a local neighborhood.

The incident took a controversial turn when members of the public, before handing the accused over to the police, shamed him by placing a garland made of shoes around his neck — a symbolic act traditionally associated with public disgrace. The act was recorded and widely shared on social media, drawing sharp reactions and sparking a heated public debate.

Expressing his deep anguish, Yaqoob Dunoo termed the incident “unfortunate and unacceptable.” He stated, “While the act of theft is condemnable and must be addressed strictly under the law, humiliating the accused in such a manner is both unethical and unconstitutional. Every individual, even an accused, has the right to be treated with dignity until proven guilty in a court of law.”

He further emphasized that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. “The police are entrusted with the responsibility to enforce justice through lawful means, not to condone or allow degrading treatment. Such acts of public shaming undermine the integrity of our justice system and erode trust in law enforcement,” he said.

Dunoo also urged the authorities to take action not only against the accused thief but also against those who carried out the act of public shaming. “We must send a strong message that mob justice and vigilante behavior have no place in a democratic society governed by law,” he asserted.

The incident has attracted widespread criticism from human rights activists, legal experts, and civil society organizations, all calling for greater accountability and humane treatment, regardless of the crime.

The Bakshi Nagar Police confirmed the arrest of the accused and stated that further investigation is ongoing.

Yaqoob Dunoo concluded by urging the public and media to uphold the values of justice, due process, and human dignity. “Our commitment to human rights must remain firm, even when confronting wrongdoing,” he said.