Five minor boys publicly punished by trader over alleged theft in Bihar
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Patna: In a deeply unsettling incident in Malahi village, located within the Majorganj police station area of Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, a trader subjected five minor boys—aged between nine and 12—to public humiliation over accusations of stealing snacks and chocolates from his grocery shop.
The incident, which took place on Thursday afternoon, has sparked widespread outrage after a video of the punishment circulated on social media, leading to public condemnation and calls for legal action against the shopkeeper.
The footage shows the children, visibly distressed, being paraded through the village street. They were stripped naked, their faces covered in limestone powder, and forced to wear a garland of shoes and slippers as punishment—an act that has prompted demands for justice and accountability from concerned citizens.
Eyewitnesses reported that the children, visibly frightened, were subjected to harsh treatment despite being minors.
During the police investigation, the shopkeeper admitted to punishing the children, citing repeated incidents of theft involving chips and chocolates from his store.
On Thursday, he claimed the children were caught in the act.
Instead of reporting the matter to the police or the children's families, the trader chose to take the law into his own hands.
Majorganj Station House Officer confirmed the incident and said, "We received information about the matter around 3 p.m. on Thursday. The video is being verified, and we have started an investigation. The minors involved are from a nearby village. Necessary legal action will be taken against the accused trader."
The widely circulated video has sparked intense public outrage.
Child rights activists and social media users are calling for strict legal action against the shopkeeper under juvenile protection laws.
Authorities are assessing and ensuring the children's mental and emotional well-being.
Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, no child in conflict with the law can be subjected to public humiliation or corporal punishment.
The trader now faces charges of child cruelty, wrongful confinement, and outraging the dignity of minors.
(inputs from IANS)
