Kolkata, Sep 9 (IANS) The West Bengal Police have arrested two people in connection with the alleged lynching of a man on suspicion of theft and an attempt to move his body to another location, a senior police officer said on Wednesday.
The incident took place in the Liluah area of Howrah district late Tuesday night. The arrests were made in the early hours of Wednesday.
According to the police, the deceased was identified as Rajkumar Chauhan, 43, a resident of Uttarpara in neighbouring Hooghly district.
The police said Chauhan allegedly entered a factory in an area adjacent to the Liluah police station on Tuesday night. Local residents claimed that he had entered the factory with the intention of stealing and was allegedly caught inside the premises.
He was then allegedly assaulted by a group of people. The police suspect that Chauhan died as a result of the severe attack on him.
According to the police, an attempt was subsequently made to move the body to another location, allegedly to conceal the crime. After receiving information about the incident, officers from Liluah police station reached the spot and began an investigation.
Following a preliminary inquiry, police arrested two youths, identified as Shubhjit Patel and Sumit Paswan, in connection with the incident.
Howrah City Police Commissioner Akhilesh Chaturvedi also visited the spot. Speaking to media persons, Chaturvedi said a murder case had been registered against the accused.
“Two people have already been arrested. The reason behind the incident is being investigated,” he said.
A forensic team is expected to visit the site to collect further evidence. The body has been sent for an autopsy.
The police said the exact circumstances surrounding Chauhan’s death would become clearer after the forensic examination and autopsy reports are received.
The incident created tension in the locality. Residents alleged that thefts from factory premises in Howrah and Hooghly districts are common, with equipment and other materials frequently reported missing.
However, locals said such an alleged lynching on suspicion of theft was unprecedented in the Liluah area. They demanded strict action against all those involved in the violence.
–IANS
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