Tied to pole, given electric shocks: Youths tortured over theft suspicion in Madhya Pradesh

The youths were allegedly accused of stealing a water pump motor, and were thereafter taken to a farm, wherein they were tortured.

Two youths were allegedly tortured and beaten by a mob on suspicion of theft in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district earlier this month. The youths were tied to the pole, beaten and given electric shocks by the villagers over suspicion of theft.

The incident reportedly took place on July 4 in the Karmodiya village under Raisen Kotwali police station limits, while the victims reportedly hailed from the Bairagi community in Dhaniyakhedi village, reported Times of India. They were allegedly accused of stealing a water pump motor, and were thereafter taken to a farm where they were tortured, the report added.

A video of the incident surfaced on social media. HT could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

Also Read | 80-year-old Rajasthan man found murdered at home with hands, legs tied

Beaten to force confession, NHRC takes cognisance

The youths were allegedly tied to a pole in the farm and assaulted by the villagers in an attempt to force a confession out of them and to make them reveal the names of others who were allegedly involved in the alleged theft, ToI reported citing police.

After the video of the assault surfaced on social media on Saturday evening, the National Human Rights Commission took cognisance of the incident.

The footage of the incident showed the victims tied to a pole while being surrounded by a mob of people, who were beating them. The men were also administering electric shocks to the victims. The two were reportedly given electric shocks using a device installed around the farms to protect crops from wild animals.

The video was taken note of by the NHRC after its member, Priyank Kanooongo, shared it on his official X handle. “We are taking cognizance and issuing necessary instructions,” he said.

Also Read | In Twisha Sharma case, AIIMS' key report reveals skin tissues match gym belt

Seven stolen motors recovered in theft case: Police

The villagers caught both the youths on suspicion of theft of irrigation pump motors and took them to the police station, said Raisen Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashutosh Gupta, according to report.

“Several stolen motors were recovered from their possession and legal action was taken in the theft case,” Gupta said. However, he added that allegations of the suspects being tortured and being given electric shocks came to light only after the video surfaced on social media on Saturday.

He added that cops had immediately taken cognisance of the video and filed a separate case against those involved in the assault, and arrested two accused in the matter. The accused have been held on charges including assault and other relevant provisions, while efforts are underway to identify and arrested the others.

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More