Kendrapara: A mob comprising local youths punched, kicked and beat up a mentally-ill woman after tying both of her hands near Badamangala locality in Kendrapara Township, police said today.
The physical abuse of the elderly mentally unsound woman has elicited sharp reaction from people from various walks of life here.
The shocking incident occurred at Bada Mangala temple premises on the night of August 11, they said.
The victim woman had to face the wrath of locals as she had entered the sanctum sanctorum.
The local residents were agitated as they were of the firm view that the deity was desecrated and dishonoured with the mentally ill woman tapping and patting the deity.
The beating spree had lasted for nearly 15 minutes, said eyewitness accounts.
Later police rushed to the spot to rescue the woman.
Despite the grave nature of the offence, the police are yet to file a case.
Inspector Kendrapara police station, Sanjeev Mohanty said "We rescued the woman from mob fury. The victim was later sent back to her house. The trouble makers had fled following arrival of the police. The incident is being investigated. We are yet to register a case."