Surat DCP Nakum Faces Show-Cause Notice Over Public Beating Case

SURAT :  Allegations of publicly beating and parading accused persons in Surat have now triggered departmental action against DCP Rajdeepsinh Nakum, with the Gujarat Home Department issuing him a show-cause notice and seeking his response within 15 days.

The development came after a preliminary inquiry report was submitted to the Gujarat High Court and later forwarded to the Home Department. The Gujarat government informed the High Court on September 17 that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against Nakum.

The case relates to an incident on July 14, 2026, when videos allegedly showed handcuffed accused persons being paraded on Surat roads and repeatedly assaulted with sticks. The Gujarat High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the incident after the videos surfaced.

During the latest hearing, the court asked whether Nakum had been present during the preliminary inquiry. The government pleader said his statement had been recorded.

The preliminary inquiry was conducted by the Additional Commissioner of Crime, Surat Police, before being sent to the DGP’s office and then the Home Department. The government will submit an update on the action taken against Nakum before the High Court on October 19.

Earlier, the High Court had questioned why Nakum continued in his Surat posting during the inquiry and called for his transfer, citing concerns about a fair investigation.

The allegations have drawn scrutiny because the accused were allegedly subjected to physical punishment before trial. A complaint cited allegations that police personnel pulled accused persons by their hair, slapped them and hit them with lathis in public.

The government’s latest action now puts the allegations into a formal departmental process. Nakum will have an opportunity to respond to the show-cause notice before further action is considered.