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Viral bail‑procession video lands man back in jail
A celebratory procession following bail landed 35-year-old Abid Sheikh back behind bars in Varanasi, after a video of the victory march—with slogans and cavalcade blocking traffic—went viral .
Abid was initially released on bail in a case involving assault, robbery, and SC‑ST offenses. However, clips shot at the bustling Teliabagh crossing showed supporters waving flags and disrupting traffic, triggering public backlash and police response. Varanasi police promptly re-arrested Abid and two associates, registered a new case for unauthorized procession, and suspended the local station in-charge for negligence.
The case expands, with allegations that Abid threatened the original complainant post-release. District officials have moved to cancel his bail and plan to invoke provisions of the Gangster Act. The episode underscores how social media continues to influence on-ground law enforcement and accountability in rapid succession.