Shimla Police on Friday arrested a US national on charges of indecent behavior and causing public nuisance after videos of the incident surfaced online and went viral.
The accused, identified as Joshua Christian, was seen in videos shouting, behaving rudely with people and making inappropriate gestures in the Ridge Maidan area of Shimla. The clips, which were widely circulated on social media, received great attention and prompted police action.
Shimla Police, after learning about the widely circulated videos, identified the person and immediately arrested him under Section 114 of the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, an official said, according to news agency PTI.
In another video allegedly linked to the same incident, Christian can be seen knocking a hat onto a man’s head while yelling at him. Hindustan Times was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the videos.
Following the arrest, the police appealed to citizens and tourists to maintain decorum and act responsibly in public places. The authorities also warned of taking strict measures against anyone found to be disrupting peace and public order.
Users condemn the act
The videos sparked widespread criticism online, with many social media users condemning the man’s behaviour. Users argued that people from Western countries, who often criticize Indians or advise them on civil behaviour, should adhere to the same standards when visiting foreign countries.
“The same people who expect Indians to follow all the rules abroad should remember: courtesy, civic sense, and respect for local norms are universal,” wrote one commentator titled “Modern Himachal.”
Another user, while sharing the video on
