ChildAbductionRumours – Five Assaulted in Jharkhand Amid Suspicion of Kidnapping
ChildAbductionRumours – Tension gripped several districts of Jharkhand over the weekend after five individuals, including a woman, were attacked by villagers who suspected them of involvement in child abduction. Police officials confirmed that the incidents occurred in separate locations and were largely driven by rumours circulating in rural areas.
Snake Charmers Targeted in East Singhbhum
In East Singhbhum district, two men from West Bengal were allegedly detained and assaulted by residents of Chandanpur village under the Shyamsundarpur police station limits. The men, identified as Minanur Mandal and Lahul Mandal, both in their early thirties, had reportedly arrived in the area to perform traditional snake charming acts during the Maha Shivratri festivities.
According to Shyamsundarpur police station in-charge Sunil Kumar Bhokta, villagers became suspicious of the outsiders and accused them of being child kidnappers. Some residents allegedly manhandled the duo before police were alerted. Officers reached the village promptly and secured their release.
The two men produced Aadhaar identification cards, confirming their identities and place of origin in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Authorities stated that there have been no recent reports of child theft in the Baharagora block. Despite the incident, the men declined to file a formal complaint and were escorted back to Baharagora town for their safety.
Police have advised them to avoid visiting nearby villages until the situation stabilizes, citing heightened public anxiety fueled by unverified information. Local authorities also plan to meet with panchayat representatives to address the spread of rumours and promote awareness among residents.
Honey Seller Held in Dumuria
A similar episode unfolded in Dumuria police station area within the Ghatshila subdivision. A middle-aged man selling honey was surrounded and restrained by villagers who suspected him of attempting to abduct children.
Dumuria police station officer-in-charge Pancham Tigga said officers reached the location in time to prevent further harm. The man, described as having long hair, informed police that he was a travelling vendor. He was later released after police intervention.
As in the earlier case, the individual chose not to pursue legal action. Authorities again cautioned him against returning to villages immediately, given the tense atmosphere linked to child abduction rumours.
Man Critically Injured in Chatra District
In Chatra district, a more serious incident was reported in Chiraiyatand and Kichto villages under the Piparwar police station jurisdiction. A man accused of child theft was allegedly beaten by residents late Sunday night.
Piparwar police station in-charge Abhay Kumar confirmed that officers rescued the injured individual and rushed him to Bachra Regional Hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later referred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi for advanced treatment.
Police described his condition as critical and said further questioning would take place once he recovers. An investigation into the assault is currently underway.
Mentally Challenged Woman Rescued in Bokaro
In another case reported from Pindrajora police station area in Bokaro district, a mentally challenged woman was reportedly attacked after villagers suspected her of being involved in child kidnapping.
Pindrajora police station officer-in-charge Abhishek Ranjan stated that police intervened and rescued the woman from the crowd. She was later handed over to a non-governmental organisation to ensure proper care and protection.
No arrests have been made so far in connection with this incident.
Police Urge Calm Amid Rumours
Law enforcement officials across the affected districts have emphasized that no confirmed cases of child abduction have been reported in the recent past in these areas. Officers are working to counter misinformation and prevent further incidents of mob violence.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of verifying information before reacting and urged residents to inform police immediately if they notice any suspicious activity. Community outreach efforts are expected to be intensified in the coming days to restore confidence and maintain public order.