Indore Grapples with Alarming Rise in Mob Violence Over Baseless Child-Lifting Rumors
A deeply disturbing viral video from Indore has brought to light a terrifying escalation in mob violence across the region, driven entirely by unsubstantiated rumors of child abductions. This incident underscores a broader pattern of panic-fueled attacks where innocent individuals are being publicly assaulted without any evidence of criminal activity.
Viral Video Exposes Brutal Assault on Mentally Unstable Woman
The widely circulated video depicts a woman being brutally beaten in the Bhanwarkuan area of Indore. The victim was later identified as 45-year-old Rekha Devi, a mentally unstable woman who had been missing from her home in Meerut for over a year. Her daughter was able to trace her location through the viral clip, leading to police involvement.
Authorities confirmed that Rekha Devi was questioned following the incident and subsequently released, as she was not involved in any crime. Tragically, she has since gone missing again, highlighting the vulnerability of such individuals in this volatile environment.
Widespread Pattern of Panic-Driven Attacks Across Multiple Districts
This case is not isolated but part of a dangerous trend sweeping through Indore and neighboring districts. Police reports indicate that strangers are being publicly confronted and physically assaulted based solely on suspicion of being child abductors, despite no recent incidents involving actual kidnappings.
Recent incidents include:
- In Ratlam district, six men returning from a temple visit were violently dragged from their car and assaulted by villagers after stopping at a roadside dhaba.
- In Indore's MIG area, a 34-year-old researcher was surrounded, beaten, and filmed by a group of women who falsely accused her of child lifting.
- In Dhar district, five itinerant workers from Rajasthan narrowly escaped a mob attack triggered by similar unfounded rumors.
Police Response and Arrests for Spreading False Information
In response to this escalating crisis, Dewas police have taken action by arresting two individuals for spreading false messages and inciting attacks on passersby. Law enforcement agencies are emphasizing that these rumors are completely baseless and are urging the public to refrain from vigilante justice.
The situation has created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, with innocent citizens becoming targets of mob mentality. Authorities are working to curb the spread of misinformation while investigating the attacks to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
