Mob lynching: 22-yr-old beaten to death over theft suspicion in Jharkhand
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Medininagar: A 22-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by villagers in Jharkhand’s Palamu district after being suspected of attempting to steal a vehicle battery, police said on Sunday. One of the accused has been taken into custody, while a manhunt is underway to apprehend the others.
The incident occurred late on Saturday night in Teliyahi village under the Padwa police station area. The deceased has been identified as Pawan Ram, a resident of Murma village in the same area.
Palamu Superintendent of Police Reeshma Ramesan told PTI that police received information around 12.30 am that a man suspected of attempting to steal a tractor battery had been caught. A patrolling team reached the spot to find the victim tied up and beaten by villagers. He was rescued and taken to the nearest hospital, where he was declared dead.
“The police have detained one accused so far. It is also suspected that the victim might have gone there to meet his lover and was caught by villagers, who accused him of trying to steal the battery. Further investigation is underway,” she added.
A medical board is conducting the post-mortem examination in the presence of a magistrate, and the entire process is being videographed and photographed, the SP said.
Medininagar Sub-divisional Police Officer Rajesh Kumar identified the detained person as Paras Nath Mehta (35). He confirmed a manhunt is ongoing for the remaining accused.
The SDPO described the case as a clear instance of mob lynching. Police have registered an FIR under Section 103(2) of the BNS and other relevant sections. No stolen battery has been recovered from the victim.
With PTI inputs
