A dramatic scene unfolded in a bustling Meerut market when a young man, identified as Armaan, allegedly attempted to snatch a womans mobile phone. The incident took a shocking turn as the crowd, along with the victim, reportedly detained and beat the accused before handing him over to police. The entire event was recorded on camera, and the video is now widely circulating on social media.Attempted theft turns violentAccording to reports, the young man attempted the theft in a crowded area near Begumpul, which falls under the jurisdiction of Sadar Bazaar Police Station. After allegedly seizing the womans phone, Armaan attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by bystanders. The woman, determined to confront the thief, joined the crowd in meting out punishment.महिला की बहादुरी को सलाम...महिला द्वारा चोर की गई जमकर पिटाई का वीडियो सोशल मीडिया पर हुआ वायरल !!पुलिस ने भीड़ के चंगुल से लुटेरे को छुड़ाया,मोबाइल लूट कर भाग रहा था युवक !!यूपी के मेरठ में थाना सदर बाजार क्षेत्र के सोतीगंज जगदीश शरण स्कूल के पास महिला का मोबाइल लूट कर… pic.twitter.com/USUKfhK3vg— MANOJ SHARMA LUCKNOW UP🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@ManojSh28986262) October 23, 2024Video footage captures crowds responseIn the video, Armaan can be seen pleading with the woman and those around him to stop the assault. Despite his apologies, the woman continued to hit him, at times grabbing his hair and slapping him in the face. Other bystanders also joined, with some restraining him as others delivered blows. Throughout the video, Armaan can be heard saying, “Madam, how much will you beat me… I made a mistake.” His appeals for mercy were ignored as the crowd appeared intent on teaching him a lesson.Incident raises questions on vigilante justiceThe public reaction to the attempted theft reflects a rising trend of immediate street justice, raising concerns about the escalation of such incidents. Although the police were eventually called to the scene and took Armaan into custody, the intensity of the public response underscores the strong sentiment against petty crimes.Meerut police are currently investigating the incident further. They have yet to comment on whether charges will be brought against members of the crowd involved in the incident.