Raigarh– In a dramatic and deeply divisive display of "street justice," Chhattisgarh Police turned the tables on a man accused of assaulting a female officer during a heated protest, parading him through Raigarh streets with lipstick smeared on his face and a garland of slippers around his neck. The viral spectacle has ignited fierce debate: Is this a bold stand against violence toward women in uniform, or a grotesque violation of human rights that blurs the line between cops and criminals?

The controversy stems from a chaotic anti-coal mining demonstration on December 27, at the JPL coal mine in Tamnar, Raigarh district. Protesters, furious over alleged environmental and livelihood threats from the project, turned violent. Amid the unrest, a mob brutally attacked a female police officer on duty, crossing into outright indecency and physical assault. Shocking videos of the incident flooded social media, showing the officer being manhandled and abused, sparking widespread outrage.

Police swiftly responded, arresting six suspects, including the alleged ringleader, Chitrasen Saw. But it was Monday's public shaming of Saw that stole headlines – and drew sharp backlash. Flanked by female officers who held him firmly, the handcuffed accused was marched from Signal Chowk to the local court in a mock procession. His face was daubed with bright red lipstick, a humiliating nod to the gender-based abuse he allegedly inflicted. A necklace of worn slippers dangled from his neck as a symbol of disdain.

Under duress, Saw was forced to chant slogans like "Long Live Women Police!" and "Sister, Forgive Me!" while tugging his ears in apology. Officers made him perform squats on the roadside and bellow, "Police Are Our Fathers; Tearing Uniforms Is a Sin!"

Raigarh Police defended the action as a "lesson in respect" for those who target women officers. Among the other arrested are Mangal Rathia, Chinesh Khamari, Prem Singh Rathia, Kirti Shrivastav, and Vanmali Rathia – all residents of Aamgaon village. One more suspect remains at large, with raids ongoing.

Activist's Fury: "This Is Chhattisgarh Police's Ugly, Shameful Face"

But the parade has backfired spectacularly, with human rights advocates slamming it as "barbaric vigilantism." Prominent social and RTI activist Kunal Shukla has lodged complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), demanding immediate intervention.

"This is the grotesque, filthy, and shameful face of Chhattisgarh Police," Shukla fumed in a viral post. "What's the difference between criminals and cops now? Lock the courts – let police deliver 'justice' on the streets! Parading a 'so-called' criminal half-naked, beating him brutally, and marching him in chains – under which law or constitutional article does this happen?"

Shukla urged the High Court to take suo motu cognizance and punish Raigarh's Collector and SP. "It's time to hold the powerful accountable," he added, calling for a full probe into the police's methods.

Legal experts echo his concerns. "Public shaming like this erodes the rule of law," said a Bilaspur-based advocate. "It may feel cathartic, but it risks mob mentality over due process." The NHRC has yet to respond, but sources say the complaint could trigger an inquiry.