Theft accused hurls slippers at Tamil Nadu magistrate days after shoe-hurling row

Court security personnel immediately intervened and escorted the accused out of the courtroom.

Amid uproar over shoe-hurling row involving Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, a man accused of theft hurled his sandals at a magistrate in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district, according to News18.

The accused has been identified as Dharmendra Singh from Uttar Pradesh. He had been working as a daily wage labourer in the Cheranmahadevi area of Tirunelveli. He was arrested for allegedly stealing a donation box from a local temple. His case was being heard before Judicial Magistrate Arun Kumaran at the Cheranmahadevi court when the incident took place.

According to the News18 report, Singh appeared without legal representation at the recent hearing. As a result, the magistrate directed the authorities to arrange a free legal aid lawyer for Singh and postponed the hearing to next month.

Confused by the postponement, Singh suddenly removed his sandals and threw them at the judge. Eyewitnesses told News18 that he hurled both sandals in quick succession. Court security personnel immediately intervened and escorted him out of the courtroom.

The Cheranmahadevi police have launched a detailed investigation into the matter. However, sources told News18 that Magistrate Arun Kumaran has instructed police not to file a separate case against Singh.

Singh was later taken back to prison amid tight security. Police officials are also reportedly examining whether the accused suffers from any psychological issues, given his apparent misunderstanding of the court’s decision.

A 71-year-old advocate, Rakesh Kishore, allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at CJI BR Gavai during proceedings in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court in New Delhi on October 6.