Viral Video Shows Women Beaten at Himachal Temple Fair, Sparks Debate on Vigilante Justice

A shaky clip that’s been shared across social media shows two women being assaulted near the Nagni Mata Temple in Nurpur, Kangra district. The footage, taken during a weekly fair, appears to capture an elderly man repeatedly hitting the women with his shoes while a small crowd looks on.

According to local reports, the women were accused of stealing items from stalls at the fair. That allegation, however, remains unverified – the police have yet to confirm whether any theft actually took place.

Nurpur police have now filed a case under Section 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, saying they will examine the video’s authenticity, pinpoint when and where the incident occurred, and identify everyone involved. So far, no one’s identity has been officially disclosed.

The online reaction has been swift and divided. Many users condemned the act, arguing that even if the women were caught in the act, the correct response would have been to hand them over to the authorities, not to take the law into one’s own hands. One comment summed it up: “Justice belongs in the courts, not on a temple ground.”

There are, however, a few voices defending the crowd’s actions, suggesting that if theft was proven, some form of punishment was justified – albeit still urging that the police should have been involved.

Police officials have repeatedly warned the public against spreading unverified claims and have asked anyone with credible information to come forward. They emphasized that no individual has the right to mete out punishment, and anyone found guilty of such vigilante behavior will face strict legal action.

As the investigation proceeds, the debate continues to echo across platforms, reflecting a broader societal question: should ordinary citizens be allowed to act as judge, jury, and executioner when they suspect wrongdoing? For now, the answer rests with the courts.