On Saturday night, a Muslim man was lynched to death by enraged villagers in Haribhaktapur village, Murshidabad district. The 45-year-old, identified as Ruhul Amin Sheikh, was suspected of goat theft.
According to local sources, three persons entered a residence with the intention of stealing goats. The householders raised an alarm upon discovery, leading nearby villagers to intervene. Although two alleged thieves managed to escape, one was captured by the villagers after a search. Enraged by the theft, the villagers tied the accused to a tree and subjected him to a severe beating.
The Jalangi police station stepped in upon receiving information about the incident, rescuing the victim. Initially taken to Sadikhandera Rural Hospital, Sheikh was later transferred to Murshidabad Medical College, where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning.
Local resident Mahiruddin Sekh said that the villagers had persistent anxiety over ongoing thefts in the area, citing frequent instances of stolen goods, including bicycles and cattle. Despite prior reports to the police about the thefts, there had been no significant police action.
Domkal’s SDPO SK. Samsuddin told The Observer Post, “The deceased hails from North Faridpur of Jalangi police station. The body has been recovered and sent to Murshidabad Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. No written complaint has been filed yet. If a complaint is registered, an investigation will be initiated.”
This incident adds to the recent wave of violence, with three Muslims being lynched to death in West Bengal within the past three days.
