Migrant worker beaten to death by mob over theft suspicion in Bengal, 7 arrested

A migrant worker from Kerala was tied up and allegedly beaten by a mob in South 24 Parganas after locals suspected him of theft. The case drew wider attention after a video of the assault went viral and police arrested seven people, including two juveniles.

In Short

• Victim from Kerala lost way, suspected as thief by locals
• Mob tied and assaulted him due to language barrier, suspicion
• Police rescued him but he died in hospital; video went viral

A migrant worker was allegedly tied up and beaten to death by a mob after being suspected of theft in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, police said. Seven people, including two juveniles, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to police and local sources, the victim had travelled from Kerala and was visiting an acquaintance in the area. On Tuesday morning, he reportedly went to a local market but lost his way and entered a nearby locality unfamiliar to him.

Residents allegedly became suspicious after noticing an unknown man moving around the area. Sources said some locals suspected him of being a thief and even spread rumours that he was a child kidnapper.

As the man did not understand Bengali and was unable to clearly explain his identity or purpose, a group of people allegedly tied him with a rope and assaulted him.

Police reached the spot after receiving information about the incident and rescued the injured man. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The body was sent for post-mortem examination.

A video purportedly showing the victim tied up and being assaulted later surfaced on social media and went viral, drawing attention to the case.

Police launched an investigation and detained seven suspects on Saturday night. Following questioning, all seven were arrested. The accused are expected to be produced before a local court.

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