Gujarat man tied to car bonnet, paraded through market over theft

Godhra, August 31

A man was tied to the bonnet of a car and paraded through a market after being accused of theft in Panchmahal district in Gujarat, a police official said on Saturday.

The incident occurred in Kanku Thambla village in Godhra taluka on August 29. Videos of the assault were being circulated on social media.

The victim, identified as Surjan Bhavri (30), was allegedly caught while allegedly trying to steal fertiliser from a shop, said Deputy Superintendent of Police NY Patel. However, Bhavri has denied the theft. He has claimed he took three packets of seeds worth Rs 30 but forgot to pay for them, the Godhra taluka police station official said.

According to Bhavri, the shopkeeper mistakenly believed he had paid Rs 500 and returned Rs 470. When the error was realised, the accused chased him, accused him of theft and assaulted him.

Videos of the incident showed Bhavri tied to the hood of a car with a piece of rope and being driven through a crowded market.

The police have registered a case against Bhavri for attempted theft. However, the authorities have also filed an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Ganpatsinh Parmar and Manubhai Charan, the two men allegedly responsible for the assault, charging them with wrongful confinement, assault and causing insult, another official said.