Ludhiana factory owner humiliates woman, daughters over theft allegations, arrested; women’s panel reacts
PTC Web Desk: In a shocking incident from Ludhiana’s Ekjot Nagar area, a factory owner allegedly accused a woman, her three daughters, and a youth of theft, subjected them to public humiliation, and paraded them around the neighbourhood. The victims, with their faces blackened and placards reading “I am a thief; I admit my guilt” hanging around their necks, were ridiculed by onlookers, some of whom even recorded the incident. Among the victims was a young woman whose marriage is scheduled in the coming days.
The incident took place at a clothing factory on Bahadur Ke Road. The factory owner, Palwinder Singh, accused the woman, her daughters, and a youth named Abhishek of stealing fabric from the factory. CCTV footage allegedly showed irregularities, prompting Singh to take action.
Palwinder Singh summoned them to the factory, blackened their faces with ink, and forced them to wear placards with their names and the theft confession. They were then paraded through the neighbourhood. Videos captured by bystanders show people mocking and following the victims, shouting slogans like “beat them up.” Despite the public humiliation, no one intervened to stop the factory owner or report the matter to the authorities immediately. According to the accused woman, Indira, they were wrongly implicated.
The police were informed only after the incident gained widespread attention through videos circulating on social media. Jasbir Singh, SHO of Basti Jodhewal police station, described the incident as “extremely shameful” and stated that no one has the right to take the law into their hands.
Based on preliminary investigations, the police registered a case and arrested the factory owner, Palwinder Singh, along with two factory workers allegedly involved in the incident. The police confirmed that the arrests were made under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for wrongful confinement, defamation, and assault.
Reaction from Punjab State Women’s Commission
The Punjab State Women’s Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident following widespread media coverage. In an official notice to the Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana, the Commission called for immediate action and a detailed investigation by a senior official. The Commission has set a deadline of January 23 for the submission of a status report on the progress of the investigation and the actions taken against the perpetrators.
“The Punjab State Women’s Commission is committed to ensuring the protection and respect of women’s rights and dignity. Such incidents are a matter of grave concern and will be dealt with utmost seriousness,” the Commission stated.
- PTC NEWS
