Two tribal men were lynched, and six others were left critically injured by a mob of more than 300 men on suspicion of being robbers based on a fake audio clip. This incident happened on Friday morning in Aurangabad, MH. The investigation officer told The Logical Indian that ten arrests have been made so far in the case.

The mob of more than 300 people nabbed eight tribals after rumors spread in the area that they are ‘robbers’. The tribals were then allegedly beaten with wooden and metal rods. The villagers then informed the police that they had caught some robbers. Upon arrival, the police found eight people on the ground who had been brutally assaulted.

According to Vaijapur Police officials in Aurangabad, a fake audio clip was being circulated since the past 15 days in the region, which said, “Ahemadnagar SP, that around 3000 Pardi tribals from MP were coming to Aurangabad region, with the motive of robbery.” Later the police clarified to the local villagers that it is a fake audio clip, but the locals weren’t convinced.

All the eight tribals were then rushed to a government hospital in Aurangabad where two of them were pronounced brought dead and six others are still undergoing treatment. The two deceased were from the Bhil community, reports India.com.

According to some reports, Assistant inspector Bhagwan Dange of Vaijapur police station said that the eight people who were attacked, have no known criminal record and there is no information suggesting their involvement in a robbery.

“Over the past few weeks, there were unconfirmed reports that robber gangs were on the prowl. But no case or incident was registered. The villagers suspected these people to be robbers and caught them in the early hours,” he added.

The case has been registered, ten people have been arrested in connection with the attack, whereas more than 300 others were also booked. Provisions of SC/ST Act (Prevention of Atrocities) may be invoked as well.

The Logical Indian Take

Two people lost their lives because a mob “suspected” them to be robbers. There are two things which are to be noted in this case. First, mob mentality. The mob was so overcome with rage that they continued to beat the innocent people even after they kept pleading their innocence. It is pertinent to understand that nobody can take the law into their own hands. Even if they were robbers, it for the law to decide their punishment.

The second point of consideration is that the villagers’ suspicion and paranoia were based solely on the fake audio clip forwards they received. Messages which have the potential to incite violence or may cause a general sense of paranoia should not be forwarded, considering different people react differently to information.