In a shocking incident in Chhattisgarh, a teenager was brutally beaten to death by a group of villagers in Dhamtari district, after being suspected of stealing paddy. The tragic event occurred on December 27, 2024, and has sparked outrage across the state. The villagers allegedly took the law into their own hands, resorting to mob justice, as they accused the 17-year-old boy of theft without any solid proof.
Details of the Incident:
The victim, identified as 17-year-old Rajesh Yadav, was allegedly seen near the paddy fields in the village, and the suspicion arose that he was involved in stealing paddy from a local farmer’s field. Eyewitnesses reported that a group of villagers, enraged by the suspicion, surrounded the boy and began beating him mercilessly. Despite his pleas for mercy, the villagers continued to assault him, and he was left severely injured.
The local authorities were alerted only after the incident escalated, and by the time police arrived at the scene, the teenager had already succumbed to his injuries. The police immediately launched an investigation and arrested 13 individuals in connection to the boy’s death. The arrested suspects are being charged with murder and unlawful assembly.
Motive Behind the Killing:
While the villagers claim that Rajesh Yadav was caught red-handed attempting to steal paddy, there is no concrete evidence to support the allegation. Authorities have raised concerns about the rising instances of mob justice in rural areas, where people often take extreme measures based on mere suspicion without waiting for due process or law enforcement intervention.
The villagers’ actions have been widely condemned by human rights groups and the local administration, who stress that resorting to violence over suspicions without evidence is both illegal and morally reprehensible. The incident has reignited discussions about the importance of law and order and the need to address mob mentality in rural areas.
Police Investigation and Arrests:
Chhattisgarh Police swiftly apprehended 13 individuals who were involved in the attack on Rajesh Yadav. Among the arrested were some influential members of the village community, making the case particularly sensitive. The police are now investigating the exact sequence of events leading up to the boy’s death, with particular focus on whether the villagers had any motive beyond the suspicion of theft, such as personal grievances or previous conflicts with the victim’s family.
The police have assured the public that they are committed to ensuring justice for Rajesh Yadav and will take strict action against all those responsible for his death. “Mob violence is unacceptable, and we will ensure that the law takes its course,” a senior police officer stated