In Bengal, 60-year-old lynched after rumours about ‘outsiders on loose’

Reports said that the mob overpowered the five and thrashed them with iron rods after finding a soiled knife, shovel and gardening tools in their bags.

A MOB has lynched a 60-year-old man at Kalna in Burdwan, following rumours that “outsiders from Pakistan” were on the loose in the area. The deceased, Anil Biswas, a contractual labourer, had arrived in Kalna to spray pesticides in a mango garden along with four others when they were attacked on Friday.

The lynching triggered protests in Biswas’s hometown of Nadia, where angry protesters blocked a highway for several hours besides setting buses and a police vehicle on fire on Saturday. The protesters were demanding strict action against Biswas’s killers.

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Sub-Divisional Police Officer Priyabrata Roy told The Sunday Express that rumours had been circulating on social media about some “outsiders, kidnappers and rapists’’ from Pakistan who were in Burdwan to harm the locals. He added that eight people have been arrested, and 12 others detained.

Reports said that the mob overpowered the five and thrashed them with iron rods after finding a soiled knife, shovel and gardening tools in their bags. The tools confirmed their fears about the rumoured hostile outsiders.

Five police vehicles were damaged and three policemen were injured when they arrived at the scene. “When we tried to enter the village, even we had to face the mob that blocked roads. We had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the mob,’’ said an officer.

“All the injured were taken to Kalna, from where they were shifted to a Burdwan hospital. Anil Biswas succumbed to his injuries, while other four people are undergoing treatment,” the official said.

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Burdwan District Magistrate Saumitra Mohan told The Indian Express that the rumours were first spread in Kalyani and other places in North-24 Parganas. She added that outsiders have been thrashed more once as a result.

“The one (mob attack) that happened in Kalna unfortunately claimed one life. We are investigating the source of such messages,” Mohan said.

The local administration is on high alert, and has started a campaign to dispel such rumours. “Anybody found guilty of spreading rumours through social networking sites will face legal action. He or she will immediately be arrested. If people find anything suspicious, they must inform police,’’ said Mohan.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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