Mob Violence Erupts Across Bihar Districts Over Child Theft Rumors
In a disturbing series of events, mob violence targeting individuals suspected of child theft has erupted across five districts in Bihar over the past 24 hours. The incidents, reported from Patna, Muzaffarpur, Sheikhpura, Nawada, and Katihar districts, saw four persons assaulted by angry crowds before police intervention ensured their safe rescue.
Muzaffarpur: Religious Pamphlet Distributors Mistaken for Child Lifters
In a particularly alarming incident in Muzaffarpur district, two women were held captive by a mob on Friday after being falsely accused of child theft. The women were reportedly distributing religious pamphlets at Sonbarsa Bazaar under the Maniyari police station limits when a baseless rumor spread, triggering widespread panic in the area.
A large crowd quickly gathered and threatened to assault the women, who were mistakenly identified as child lifters. Alert local residents notified the police, who intervened promptly. The officers rescued the women and took them to safety. Maniyari Station House Officer Jaiprakash Gupta confirmed, “The police took the women into protective custody and are investigating the incident.”
Patna District: Assault Near Temple Escalates to Police Vehicle Attack
In Patna district, a man was brutally assaulted near the Umanath Temple in the Barh police station area after he was seen holding a child’s hand. When questioned by concerned locals, the man claimed he was taking the child to his father and had offered chocolates. However, the situation rapidly escalated as hundreds gathered and began attacking him.
Upon arrival, police faced further aggression when the mob targeted their vehicle. Barh SHO Brajkishor Singh stated, “The accused, identified as Bambhole from the Bahapar area of Bakhtiarpur, is in police custody. His background is being verified.” This incident underscores the volatile nature of such mob reactions.
Sheikhpura and Nawada: Women Targeted in Village Assaults
In Sheikhpura district, a 20-year-old woman was beaten by a mob in Kamasi village under the Town police station area. The attack occurred after she was seen carrying a one-and-a-half-year-old girl, prompting the child’s mother to raise an alarm. Locals gathered and assaulted the woman before police arrived to rescue her.
Similarly, in Nawada district, a woman was assaulted in Baghi Bardih village under the Warsaliganj police station on Thursday on suspicion of child theft. These incidents highlight a pattern of vigilante justice targeting vulnerable individuals.
Katihar: Elderly Woman Beaten Amid Suspicion
In Katihar district, an elderly woman was beaten by a mob in Haflaganj under the Mufassil police station areas late Thursday night. She was allegedly seen wandering in the area, which sparked suspicion among locals. Despite her pleas of innocence, she was assaulted, demonstrating how mere presence can trigger violent responses.
All victims across these five districts were rescued safely by police, but the repeated nature of these attacks raises serious concerns about public safety and the spread of misinformation. Authorities are urging citizens to rely on law enforcement rather than taking matters into their own hands, as such mob violence can lead to tragic consequences.
