A man was beaten to death by a mob in Jharkhand’s Chatra district after villagers accused him of confining and sexually assaulting a minor girl. Police have launched separate investigations into the allegations against the deceased and the mob violence that led to his death.
The incident took place on Tuesday in Magahiya Tola under Tandwa police station limits. The deceased has been identified as Md Emroz.
According to officials, a minor girl who had gone missing returned home on Tuesday and allegedly told her family that she had been confined at Emroz’s house and sexually assaulted. Following her statement, hundreds of villagers gathered outside the accused’s home and allegedly attacked him.
Police Say Allegations Yet to Be Confirmed
Officials said the allegations made by the minor are still under investigation and have not yet been confirmed.
Block Development Officer Deolal Oraon said the girl has been sent for a medical examination and the administration is waiting for the report before drawing any conclusions.
“The girl has been sent for medical examination, and the administration is awaiting the report before drawing any conclusions regarding the allegations,” Oraon said.
Police have also initiated legal proceedings under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act and other applicable laws based on the girl’s statement.
Victim’s Father Alleges Mob Assault and Police Presence
The deceased man’s father has filed a police complaint alleging that a crowd of around 100 to 150 people stormed their home, accusing the family of hiding the minor girl.
According to the FIR, when the family denied the allegations, the mob tied up Emroz’s parents and assaulted them. The complaint states that Emroz was attacked with sticks and stones when he tried to rescue them.
His father has also alleged that some police personnel were present during the incident. He claimed the injured man was taken to the police station, after which the family was informed that he had died during treatment.
The complainant has named 56 people in the FIR and alleged that videos of the assault were recorded and circulated on social media.
Several Detained, Heavy Police Deployment in Area
Police said several people have been detained in connection with the lynching. While some officials confirmed eight arrests, local authorities said around 10 people have been taken into custody as the investigation continues.
Authorities have deployed heavy police forces in the village to prevent further tension and maintain law and order.
Separate Investigations Underway
Police said they are investigating both the allegations made by the minor and the mob lynching independently.
Officials have urged people not to take the law into their own hands, stressing that the allegations against the deceased will be established only after the medical examination and investigation are completed, while those responsible for the mob violence will also face legal action.
