Dhanbad: Three more accused in the Abhijeet murder case were taken on foot to court under tight security on Monday, as Dhanbad police continued a public-parade practice they describe as a crime-deterrence measure.The latest instance took place on Monday, when three more accused in the Abhijeet murder case were taken on foot to court under tight security.With these arrests, five accused have now been held in the case. Two accused were arrested on Sunday. Abhijeet Singh, a 24-year-old resident of lower Rajbari Road in Jharia, Dhanbad, was fatally beaten during a birthday party dispute on the intervening night of Oct 18-19. He was allegedly assaulted during a brawl at a hotel and died during treatment.Police said raids were continuing to identify and arrest others allegedly involved in the case.The practice has gained visibility in recent months and has drawn support from sections of the public, especially business owners facing threats and extortion. However, it has also drawn political criticism, including from Health minister Irfan Ansari.In September, police paraded Banti Khan, brother of fugitive gangster Prince Khan, through Bank More and Wasseypur after arresting him in Kolkata. Earlier, cattle smuggler and alleged illegal arms dealer Sahab Qureshi was paraded with a rope tied around his waist.In July, around 700 persons described by police as criminals were reportedly paraded at Dhanbad Police Lines during a district-wide crime-control drive. Police also paraded several accused arrested in connection with stone-pelting during a Ram Navami procession in Baliapur on March 27.Advocate Narendra Trivedi welcomed the move, saying, “It could weaken criminals’ confidence and make them think twice before committing offences.”Dhanbad SSP Prabhat Kumar defended the approach and said, “Public exposure of accused persons could discourage others from entering criminal activities.”Officials said the parades were not meant as punishment but as visible policing before accused persons are produced before courts for formal remand hearings.
