Jharkhand – Mob Attack Leaves Rape Accused Dead After Alleged Assault in Chatra Village
Jharkhand – A man accused of sexually assaulting a minor girl died after he was allegedly attacked by a large mob in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, while police have launched parallel investigations into both the alleged sexual assault and the suspected lynching.
Allegations Against the Accused Spark Public Outrage
The incident occurred in Bargaon village under the jurisdiction of Tandwa police station on Tuesday. According to police officials, the minor girl had gone out on Monday evening and did not return home, prompting concern among her family members. She came back the following morning and alleged that her neighbour, Mohammad Imroz, had forcibly taken her to his house, kept her confined, and raped her.
Following her allegations, news of the incident spread rapidly through the village, leading to growing anger among local residents.
Mob Allegedly Attacked the Accused and His Family
Police said hundreds of villagers gathered outside Imroz’s residence after learning about the girl’s allegations. The crowd allegedly pulled him onto the road before attacking him with sticks, iron rods, and stones.
According to local accounts, the assault continued until he sustained severe injuries. During the violence, the accused’s parents were also reportedly attacked. His father was allegedly tied to a pole before being assaulted, while both parents suffered injuries during the incident.
Police Response and Rescue Operation
The violence created tension across the Tandwa area, with residents expressing concern over the situation. Some villagers claimed the attack happened in front of police personnel. However, Tandwa Sub-Divisional Police Officer Prabhat Ranjan rejected those claims, stating that the mob had already begun the assault before officers reached the location.
Police later carried out a rescue operation and shifted the critically injured Imroz to the Tandwa Community Health Centre. Due to the seriousness of his condition, he was referred to a hospital in Hazaribagh, where doctors declared him dead after treatment.
Separate Cases Registered by Police
Authorities have registered two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with the incident. One case was filed on the complaint of the deceased man’s father under legal provisions related to mob lynching. The second FIR was registered on the basis of the minor girl’s complaint under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Police reiterated that the girl had reported being abducted, confined, and sexually assaulted by Mohammad Imroz after she returned home on Tuesday morning.
Investigation Continues as Arrests Are Made
Security has been strengthened in the area to prevent any further unrest. Investigators are examining video footage recorded during the incident to identify those who allegedly participated in the mob attack.
Tandwa police station officer-in-charge Pappu Kumar Sharma confirmed that 11 people have been arrested so far. He added that raids are continuing to locate and apprehend other suspects identified through the available video evidence.
Officials said both investigations—the alleged sexual assault case involving the minor girl and the mob violence that resulted in the accused’s death—remain ongoing. Police have appealed for cooperation from local residents while legal proceedings continue under the relevant provisions of law.