The deadly lynching of seven people in Jharkhand over an alleged rumour has sent shock waves across the country. Concerned people are questioning the action of the government against this these blatant and random attacks on Muslims and Dalits.

Now, taking an action against the gruesome act, the state police have arrested 33 people have been arrested in Jharkhand in connection with the lynching of seven men last week following child abduction rumours.

“It was a spontaneous reaction of the villagers based on unfounded WhatsApp messages about child lifting,” S K G Rahate, Jharkhand home secretary said.

Seven people were beaten to death in two separate incidents in Bagbera and Rajnagar after rumour spread on WhatsApp that the victims were involved in child lifting, a claim police said was unfounded.

What is even more shocking is that the men were lynched by the mob in full view of police.

Videos of the gruesome incident shot by a witness showed policemen on the spot during the incident, but they refused to intervene. The officers in charge of Bagbera and Rajnagar police stations under which the crims took place have been suspended.

Police said they are looking into the hoax message which cause the violence. According to reports, the message spread on WhatsApp had the images of the victims, claiming that there were suspected child lifters in the area, and asked public to inform the police if they were spotted.

The mob, instead went on a rampage, attacking the men without even giving them time to explain.

“We are trying to raise awareness through different mediums that no child lifting has taken place in the state. We are identifying the people who spread the rumours through WhatsApp,” DGP, D K Pandey said.