Garhwa Police Issue Stern Warning Against Spreading Child-Lifting Rumors
In a critical public advisory, the police in Garhwa district have strongly urged residents to refrain from circulating unverified rumors about child-lifting, particularly through social media platforms. This appeal comes in response to a series of alarming incidents where innocent individuals have been violently assaulted by mobs based solely on suspicion.
Recent Incidents Highlight Grave Consequences
Officer in-charge Animesh Shantikari of the Dandai police station emphasized the severity of the situation during a statement on Monday. "Thrashing any person on mere suspicion of child-lifting constitutes a criminal offence," Shantikari declared. He revealed that multiple innocent people have suffered physical attacks from agitated crowds who acted on baseless rumors.
One particularly distressing case occurred in Raro village, within the jurisdiction of the Dandai police station. Villagers apprehended a man they suspected of child-lifting, only for police to discover upon investigation that the individual was actually mentally unwell and posed no threat. A similar episode unfolded in Sonehara village under the same police limits, further underscoring the dangerous consequences of rumor-driven vigilantism.
Police Appeal for Calm and Legal Action
Shantikari made a heartfelt plea to parents and guardians, advising them to maintain close supervision of their children while stressing the importance of lawful conduct. "Do not take the law into your own hands under any circumstances," he insisted. Instead, he directed citizens to immediately contact their local police station or the police control room if they encounter any suspicious activity, rather than resorting to violence.
The police warning specifically targets the rapid spread of misinformation on digital platforms, which can quickly escalate into real-world violence. By addressing this issue proactively, authorities aim to prevent further harm to innocent bystanders and maintain public order in the district.
This advisory serves as a crucial reminder of the legal repercussions for mob justice and the collective responsibility to verify information before reacting. The Garhwa police continue to monitor the situation closely, encouraging community cooperation to ensure safety and justice prevail.
