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Disturbing videos of two lynching incidents that took place in Jharkhand on 18 May show that policemen were present at the spot when the violence took place, as indicated in a report by The Indian Express.
These separate incidents, which took place in Bagbera and Shobhapur, claimed the lives of seven people. Another incident of lynching occurred Jadugora, Jharkhand on 12 May that left two people dead.
According to The Indian Express report, two videos from Bagbera and Shobhapur show the injured victims surrounded by a mob, with the policemen standing-by as witness.
Uttam Verma, the brother of two victims, Vikas and Gautam, who were killed in the Bagbera incident, also said that the police ‘encouraged the attack’, reported NDTV.
Media reports further indicate that these incidents were fuelled by rumour-mongering on WhatsApp, talking about apparent child-lifting prevalent in the area. This message told people to be vigilant and ensure the safety of their children, as child-lifting gangs were on the move.
In this context, Anta Tudu, village head of Shobhapur, was quoted by The Indian Express as saying:
A notice was issued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to the state Director General of Police asking for a report on the lynchings. The commission censured the authorities, remarking, "the law enforcing agencies of the state have certainly failed to perform their lawful duty".
Several arrests have been made in connection with the lynchings and the police investigation is underway.
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