Parade of ‘thieves’: Inspector defends,DCP will look into it

“It’s the people’s right to know the culprits who rob them,” said senior police inspector A P Borude,the officer behind the parade. The idea was entirely his; DCP Police (Zone II) Sanjay Mohite said he had been unaware of the parade. The DCP said he would look into the matter.

Borude defended the parade: “Are accused meant to be seen only by the police,lawyers and judges? Don’t the public who fall prey to such culprits have a right to see them? We receive several complaints of bags and chains being stolen from these congested areas. By showing these accused to the public,we want to assure people how seriously we take their complaints,” he added.

Borude dismissed criticism that such a parade could be seen as a violation of the rights of the accused.

He said the exhibition would serve as a warning to others who may commit similar crimes. “If any question of violation is raised in court,I shall reply accordingly,” he said.

The accused did feel their rights had been violated,saying the event had been organised only to humiliate them. “This is the first time we have been involved in theft and that too because of poverty. Why don’t the police do the same with habitual offenders who are enjoying their freedom bought with money?” said Sheikh,only to be met with sniggers from the police and the public.

As a crowd surrounded the three,Burju began to cry. “Kill me,but don’t do this. My family will watch this and will be shattered,” he pleaded.

Additional Commissioner of Police (South Region) K Padmanabhan said the police had actually taken the accused for identification of spots where the crimes had been committed. “We shall look into the matter and then decide if any action has to be taken against any officials,” he said.