Jammu Police clarify after video of public beating goes viral

In a significant breakthrough in the Gangyal firing incident that occurred last week, Jammu Police on Wednesday arrested four individuals connected to the case. The accused have been identified as Surinder Singh and Harjot Singh, both residents of Dashmesh Nagar; Raman Kumar, a resident of Gangyal; and Mohd Ashraf, from Karyani Talab Narwal, Jammu.

Police reported that the accused have criminal backgrounds and are known to have ties to organised criminal activities in the region.

Following their arrest, a video showing a public beating of the accused in the Gangyal area quickly went viral on social media. However, police have issued a statement clarifying the events. According to the statement, while returning from court after obtaining police remand and proceeding to the crime spot for a pointing-out memo, the accused—who were in police custody—attempted to disrupt the process. They began threatening civilians present at the scene, trying to instill fear.

“During the legal procedure, the trio began threatening nearby civilians with dire consequences if they dared to cooperate with the police or come forward as witnesses,” the police statement read. “They openly claimed to be gangsters and warned the public of their alleged links within various circles of the system, thereby trying to instill fear and portray themselves as above the law.”

The statement further noted that the accused also attempted to intimidate the police team on duty. “In response, the police acted swiftly, applying necessary force to neutralise the situation, maintain law and order, and reassure the public. Reinforcements were called, and with coordinated effort, the accused were brought under control and safely transported back to the police station,” the statement read.

“Jammu Police, South Zone, successfully crushed the criminal arrogance displayed by the arrested accused,” police stated. “What they imagined to be a show of dominance turned into a clear message — that no amount of arrogance, intimidation or false bravado can stand against the rule of law. Jammu Police not only restored order but shattered the illusion of their so-called might, reaffirming public faith and asserting that criminal arrogance has no place in civil society."

J & K