Moral policing in Assam's Baghbar: Two teenagers tied to pole, beaten and tonsured over alleged pigeon theft

A shocking incident of alleged moral policing has triggered outrage in Assam's Barpeta district after two teenagers were reportedly tied to a pole, brutally assaulted and forcibly tonsured over accusations of pigeon theft.

The incident took place at a ferry ghat near the residence of village headman Omar Uddin in Saorar Bhitha village under Baghbar police station.

According to local sources, the two minors, residents of Balajan Char, were accused of stealing pigeons from the house of one Hamed Ali of the same area. 

Instead of handing them over to the police, a group of villagers allegedly subjected the teenagers to public humiliation and physical punishment.

Eyewitnesses said the teenagers were tied to a pole and mercilessly beaten in public. Their heads were also forcibly shaved as part of the punishment.

A video purportedly showing the teenagers tied up and being assaulted has since gone viral on social media, sparking widespread condemnation and raising serious questions about law and order in the area.

The victims were eventually rescued by their family members, who arrived at the scene and took them home.

The incident has drawn sharp reactions from local residents, particularly because the alleged act of moral policing reportedly took place in the presence of members of the village defence party (VDP) from Morabhaj village.

Residents and rights activists have questioned why the accused teenagers were not handed over to the police if they were suspected of committing theft and instead subjected to what they described as "mob justice".

The incident has created widespread anger across Baghbar, with many demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against those involved in the assault and public humiliation of the minors.

Police are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.