Darjeeling: The killing spree continues in North
Bengal on the suspicion of
child lifters. On Sunday, a homeless person was beaten to death by a mob in the Alipurduar district.
The incident occurred near Tasati Tea Estate in Alipurduar. Late in the evening on Sunday, a man was sighted approaching the football field in the tea estate. On suspicion of being a child lifter, the locals forcefully confined him and started beating him up.
A police force was sent from Jateshwar police outpost. However, the force fell short in number in front of the mob. The mob subsequently attacked the police.
A huge police contingent arrived later and resorted to baton charge, but could not quell the mob. The police also fired tear gas shells. Finally, they managed to rescue the victim and rushed him to Birpara Hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
Superintendent of Police Nagendranath Tripathi said: "17 persons have been arrested in connection with the incident. The victim remains unidentified. He was a vagabond. The people arrested will be charged under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code. In Sunday's incident sharp weapons were also used. We have started an investigation."
The SP further stated that awareness is also being spread regarding the issue. He appealed to the public that in case of any suspicion the administration or police should be informed.
"We will verify the suspicion. Till now none of
the victims rescued had anything to do with child lifting. They have been beaten up and in two cases killed, just on
the basis of suspicion," stated the SP.