Ten thieves lynched by villagers in Vaishali

Hajipur, Sep 13 (UNI) In a gruesome incident of mob fury, ten thieves were beaten to death by angry villagers at Dhelphorwa under Rajapakar police station in Vaishali district today, posing a big question on the overall law and order in Bihar.

District Magistrate Lallan Singh here said the irate villagers chased the thieves, who were fleeing after committing theft in the house of one Mithilesh Rai early this morning. Instead of handing them over to the police, the villagers caught them and beat them up mercilessley killing ten of them. Another sustained serious injuries.

Announcing an inquiry into the incident, Mr Singh said action would be taken against the culprits.

After committing theft, the miscreants had entered the house of a woman, who raised an alarm. Neighbours then caught them and began assaulting them.

The deceased, including six siblings, had been identified as residents of Tajpurmorai village in Samastipur district. They used to sell honey in the villages of Vaishali district where incidents of thefts had become a routine affair.

A case had been lodged on the statement of the injured thief.

Meanwhile, some local leaders said the massacre could have been averted had the police acted timely.

Incidentally, the police reached the spot after more than two hours though the spot was three km away from the police station.

EDS: Here pick up suitably from earlier series.

UNI