A young Dalit man, Harjot Singh, was brutally assaulted, forcibly shaved, blackened, and paraded half-naked through the streets of Seeda village near Ludhiana after his friend eloped with a local woman, police said on Sunday.
The incident, which took place on Tuesday, was recorded and the video quickly went viral, sparking widespread outrage across social media and civil rights groups.
According to police, Harjot was targeted by the woman’s family, who suspected him of assisting the couple’s elopement and subsequent marriage on June 19. While Harjot was at a salon, several men barged in, dragged him outside, tore his clothes, and subjected him to a humiliating public assault while hurling casteist slurs.
The attackers — identified as Gurpreet alias Gopa, Simranjeet Singh alias Simma, Sandeep alias Sam, Rajveer, and Ramandeep alias Kaka — filmed the attack and circulated the footage online.
Simranjeet Singh has been arrested, and police are actively pursuing the remaining accused, Inspector Paramdeep Singh of Meharban police station confirmed.
“This is not just a case of physical assault. It is a brutal attack on human dignity,” a senior police official said. “We are investigating thoroughly and will ensure justice.”
An FIR has been registered under the Indian Penal Code, the IT Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Harjot’s family has demanded strict legal action and maximum punishment for the accused.
