One person was killed and four others were critically injured after a mob attacked them on suspicion of cattle theft in Assam’s Kokrajhar district, police said.
The incident occurred on Monday night when the victims, all associated with a road construction project, were returning from a site inspection in the Aoudang area. According to police, their vehicle was intercepted on the Gouri Nagar–Mashing Road by a group of local residents who allegedly mistook them for cattle lifters.
During the attempt to stop the vehicle, it reportedly met with an accident and skidded off the road. The occupants were then allegedly assaulted by the mob, which also set the vehicle on fire.
One of the injured, identified as Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit, also known as Raja, later succumbed to his injuries. He was the son-in-law of contractor Moranda Basumatary, police said.
The four others — Prabhat Brahma, Jubiraj Brahma, Sunil Murmu and Mahesh Murmu — sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Hospital sources said that Prabhat remains in critical condition.
Police, fire and emergency services reached the spot soon after the incident and brought the situation under control. Although tension continues to prevail in the area, several persons have been detained for questioning.
An investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the attack, police added.
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