The incident that unfolded in Jammu on June 24, 2025, in a bustling market has sent shockwaves across the country. A Kashmiri man, accused of theft, was allegedly assaulted, partially stripped, and paraded on top of an official police vehicle by members of the Jammu police. The visuals—widely circulated on social media—paint a harrowing picture of abuse and humiliation that is both deeply disturbing and legally indefensible. Regardless of the man’s alleged involvement in theft, the actions of the police violate the most basic tenets of human dignity, the rule of law, and due process. In a democratic country governed by a constitution that enshrines the rights to life and liberty under Article 21, such acts of extrajudicial punishment are unacceptable. Law enforcement agencies are bound not only by legal procedures but by moral and ethical codes that demand professionalism and restraint. What happened in Jammu is not merely a lapse in protocol—it is an act of public humiliation that smacks of impunity and sends a dangerous message. The man at the center of this controversy has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. No individual, regardless of their alleged crimes or background, deserves to be subjected to such degrading treatment. That this happened in a public place, in broad daylight, makes it all the more troubling. It reinforces a pattern that has been seen far too often where accountability is patchy, and grievances are often ignored. The administration’s prompt order of a probe is a welcome first step. However, such inquiries must not be symbolic. There must be transparency in the investigation, accountability for those found guilty, and assurance to the public—especially to the people of Kashmir—that justice will not be diluted or deferred. The incident also raises broader concerns about policing culture in India, where custodial violence and public shaming are still prevalent despite strict legal frameworks against them. This is not just a Kashmiri issue; it is an issue that affects our whole country. It concerns the integrity of our institutions and the values our republic claims to uphold. The police, as custodians of the law, must lead by example, not mirror the worst instincts of mob justice. The onus is on both the Jammu and Kashmir administration and central authorities to ensure that such incidents are never normalized. Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done. Only then can trust in the system be preserved, and the dignity of every citizen, regardless of region, identity, or allegation, be protected.