#JUSTIN: Mob Thrashes SIR Officials in Odisha, Police Arrest 72
Officials were assaulted after villagers suspected child-lifting gang involvement.
Police have arrested 72 people after two officials from West Bengal were allegedly assaulted by villagers in Odisha’s Balasore district, authorities said. The officials were part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and had reportedly entered the area by mistake while travelling toward Nayagram in neighbouring West Bengal.
According to police sources, the incident occurred on Wednesday when the officials inadvertently crossed into a village in Balasore district. Their unfamiliar presence reportedly triggered suspicion among locals, who believed the pair could be linked to a child-lifting gang, a rumour that has sparked similar incidents in parts of the country in the past.
The situation quickly escalated as a group of villagers confronted and allegedly thrashed the officials before authorities could intervene. Local police later rescued the victims and ensured they received medical attention. Officials said the condition of the assaulted personnel is being monitored.
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Police have registered two separate cases in connection with the incident and launched an investigation to identify all those involved. So far, 72 people have been taken into custody as part of the crackdown, and further arrests may follow based on evidence and witness statements.
Authorities have urged the public not to rely on rumours or take the law into their own hands, warning that mob violence will be dealt with strictly. They also emphasised the importance of verifying information through official channels to prevent such incidents.
The episode highlights the continuing challenge posed by misinformation-fuelled mob reactions in rural areas. Police said awareness efforts would be strengthened in the region even as the legal process moves forward against those accused in the assault.
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