Odisha minor boy ‘killed over goat theft suspicion’; 12 arrested

In a disturbing incident from Indukuli village under Tiring police limits in Mayurbhanj district, a minor boy was allegedly beaten to death on suspicion of goat theft. Police have arrested 12 persons after a video of the brutal assault went viral, sources said on Tuesday.

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According to the sources, two minors were accused of stealing goats on Monday. Villagers allegedly tied their hands and thrashed the minor duo mercilessly. Despite repeated pleas, the assault continued, leaving the boys critically injured. One of them lost consciousness during the attack.

After receiving information, the Tiring police team rescued the victims and admitted them to a hospital in Rairangpur. During treatment, one of the minors succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased has been identified as a 15-year-old boy, a resident of Bhutkabadi village under Badampahar police limits. The other injured minor, from Bahalda, is undergoing treatment in critical condition.

The incident allegedly occurred when the two boys had visited the nearby Nesha Dam. Police are conducting further investigation into the case.

“Four persons (including the minor boys) had gone yesterday in the afternoon with a motive of goat theft. Two of them had managed to escape from the spot while stealing the animals at Indukuli village under Tiring police limits. However, the remaining two were detained by the villagers,” Rairangpur SDPO, Birendra Senapati, said to OTV when contacted.

“The duo was attacked by some villagers. The detainees had sustained grievous injuries in the mob attack. Their motorcycle was also set on fire by the mob. On being informed, a team of personnel from Tiring Police Station had reached the spot and rescued the injured duo. One of them has succumbed while undergoing treatment,” the cop added.