Police in India's Gujarat publicly beat man accused of killing partner

Indian police publicly beat a man accused of killing his partner, drawing mixed reactions after footage of the flogging spread online, according to local media reports on Sunday. The incident took place in Bhavnagar, Gujarat state, and involved the man, identified as Faizal Lakhani. According to police officials, the beating was a response to the brutality of the alleged murder.

Lakhani was arrested on Friday and taken to the scene of the alleged crime to reconstruct the incident. He was then beaten at the location and inside a bus terminal, with footage showing an officer repeatedly striking his legs, buttocks, and feet with a bamboo baton while his arms were restrained by ropes. Police officer DP Unadkat stated that the beating was intended to set an example that crime against women would be taken seriously and deter others from committing such crimes.

However, the actions of the police officers have drawn criticism, with some social media users praising the beating while others denounce the officers' actions. Notably, the man had not yet been found guilty of the crime. Bhavnagar police chief Nitesh Pandey declined to comment on the incident.