Three lynched over ‘naked-men-out-to-rape’ panic in Assam

Stating that the occupants of the vehicles attacked the villagers first,sources indicated villagers retaliated and all three were killed.

Sonitpur district SP Arabinda Kalita said the three victims — Ashutosh Das and Md Jalil of Dhekiajuli,and Prabin Bhawal of Rangapara — were wanted criminals involved in car lifting and stealing of fuel from cars.

Rumour of the “naked men” has sparked fear psychosis in Tezpur area with people guarding their villages with lethal weapons to protect their women,the sources said.

The panic has reached such a situation that district Deputy Commissioner Tapan Chandra Sarmah today appealed to the people not to believe in the rumours and also not to carry lethal weapons.

Sarmah said the district administration would appeal to the people not to believe in rumours.

The DC also said a control room was set up with phone number 9435388282 to deal with the situation.

The SP said police patrolling would be intensified at night in the villages.