I ran back to the spot where the boy had been taken. There, instructions to switch off mobile phones had been given. Why? The boy had been tied to a pole and the members of the mob were taking turns to beat him. I was sick with worry, anticipating the situation to go from bad to worse.

Fortunately, the cops and the CRPF personnel reached just in time. As the crowd scattered, the boy was untied from the pole and the police took charge of the matter, later taking the boy into custody. I heaved a sigh of relief.

I don’t know whether he actually had or hadn’t stolen. I was thankful he had survived, and I was glad I had been there to raise my voice and help.