Three Arrested in Dhanbad for Mob Assault Over Child-Lifting Rumors
In a shocking incident highlighting the dangers of mob vigilantism, three persons were arrested and remanded to judicial custody on Tuesday for assaulting two men under the false suspicion of being child-lifters. The attack occurred in the Rajganj police station area of Dhanbad, where the victims had come to visit a relative.
Mob Frenzy Erupts Over Baseless Accusations
The victims, identified as Dablu Mahto and Deepak Mahto, arrived in the locality on Monday for a family visit. During their stay, a few local residents allegedly began spreading rumors that the two men were involved in child-lifting activities. Within minutes, the unverified claims spread rapidly through the community, drawing a large and agitated crowd.
Without pausing to verify any facts or listen to the victims' pleas of innocence, the mob surrounded Dablu and Deepak Mahto and subjected them to a brutal and merciless beating. Despite the victims desperately revealing their identities and asserting their innocence, the crowd's frenzy only escalated, ignoring all appeals for reason.
Police Intervention and Rescue Operation
Upon receiving urgent information about the violent altercation, officers from the Rajganj police station swiftly reached the scene. The police team successfully dispersed the unruly crowd and rescued the two injured men from further harm. Both victims had sustained serious injuries during the assault and were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Following a formal complaint lodged by the victims, an FIR was registered at Rajganj police station, prompting an immediate investigation into the matter. During the course of the probe, authorities identified three individuals—Vinay Mishti, Akash Turi, and Sonu Turi—as active participants in the violent attack. All three suspects were formally arrested and subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
Authorities Condemn Mob Violence and Spread of Rumors
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prabhat Kumar described the incident as "extremely serious," noting a disturbing and alarming rise in such attacks triggered by child-lifting rumors. He emphasized that mob violence against innocent persons is not only inhuman but also constitutes a grave criminal offence under the law.
The SSP further stressed that maintaining law and order is the sole responsibility of the authorities, not the general public. In response to the growing trend, awareness campaigns are being actively conducted across the region to caution citizens against the perils of believing and spreading unverified rumors, as well as engaging in vigilante justice.
Prabhat Kumar urged residents to immediately inform the police via Dial 112 if they notice any suspicious activity, rather than taking matters into their own hands. This proactive approach aims to prevent similar incidents and ensure community safety through proper legal channels.
