Hero Image

Child-lifting rumours, mob attacks keep Khargone residents in state of panic

Khargone: More than 25 arrests and over 10 cases of mob attacks sparked by rumours of child-lifting since July have created a situation of panic in Khargone district.

Surprisingly, the figure is just one and two in adjacent tribal dominated Barwani and Burhanpur districts respectively.

When asked why such incidents are taking place in Khargone district repeatedly, Khargone superintendent of police Sunil Kumar Pandey says, “The whole state is grappling with problem of mob attacks fueled by rumours of child-lifting.

Policemen are approaching villagers and asking them not to believe in such rumours. We have also asked them not to take law in their hands. Apart from this, we have released an advisory through social media and are encouraging victims to lodge FIRs so that legal action can be taken to stop lynching.”

“People avoid reporting police about such incidents since most of the time they don’t know the attackers. But by lodging a complaint they will help us in stopping mob lynching on suspicion of child-lifting,” the SP added.

Since July, police have registered half a dozen cases of mob lynching on suspicion of child-lifting and arrested more than 25 persons. In few cases, victims didn’t approach police and went away. In some cases it was found that accused were known to victims, but then also they were thrashed due to mala fide intention, Khargone ASP Shahikant Kankane said.

Experts believe that the incidents could be stopped by sensitizing people on the issue through seminars and police camps in rural areas. District hospital senior physician Dr Ram Jaiswal said, “Villagers easily believe in rumours when it comes to security and safety of their kids. Rumours develop a mass fear among villagers. The fear is not limited in particular region and such incidents have no scientific justification.”

The situation can be tackled by creating awareness among villagers. Regular interaction will educate people to verify the fact and inform police instead of taking law in their hands, Dr Jasiwal suggested.

READ ON APP