Two mentally challenged youths beaten up suspecting child theft

Baripada: Two mentally unstable youths were beaten up ruthlessly by locals in the Laxmiposi Chhak area of the town suspecting child theft. The two youths, one of whom is a minor, are critical.

Both the youths hail from Bhurudakata village and had been to Shankabhanga village on a trip with two children, as per sources. They lost their way and asked for directions for locals. When the locals questioned them and were not convinced with their whereabouts, both youths were tied to a pole and beaten mercilessly.

The youths are critical after the assault by villagers and were first admitted to Baripada Medical and later shifted to Cuttack SCB Medical.

"At least 200 people had gathered at the spot and the mob beat them ruthlessly. We came to know that they are mentally challenged. While one youth is 26 year old another is 14 year old. Probe into the incident has begun and legal action will be taken," said Tilotama Rout, IIC, Baripada sadar police station. "Frequent reports of child theft have led to the rage in locals," she said.