Two youths were beaten to death after allegedly being caught stealing goats from a villager’s home in Jorsa village, East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, approximately 15 km from Chakulia Police Station near Jamshedpur.
According to police, one of the deceased, identified as Kushak Behera, died instantly, while the second, Bhola Nath Mahto, succumbed to his injuries later that morning at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jamshedpur.
Locals said the two individuals, believed to be from Jeerapara village in Chakulia, were attempting to steal goats when their plan was foiled.
The theft was discovered when a bell tied around a goat’s neck rang, waking up the homeowner, Hargovind Nayak. Upon stepping outside to investigate, Nayak spotted the two suspects trying to escape with three goats on a motorcycle.
Acting swiftly, he apprehended them and alerted fellow villagers. A large crowd quickly gathered, and the suspects were held captive.
Soon after, the mob began beating them brutally with fists, kicks, and bamboo sticks. Behera did not survive the attack and died on the spot.
"Around the time Behera lost consciousness, the villagers stopped beating him, but by then, the damage was done," said a villager who wished to remain anonymous.
The police were later informed about the incident. Upon arrival, they rushed Mahto to hospital, but he, too, succumbed to his injuries.
Confirming the incident, SP (Rural) Rishabh Garg said, "Two individuals allegedly entered the village to steal goats but were caught by the owner and subsequently beaten by the villagers. One of them died at the scene, while the other passed away during treatment."
As of now, five people have been taken into custody, and authorities are in the process of identifying others involved. No formal complaint has been lodged yet, but legal action will be initiated once an official complaint is received, the SP added.
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