Balasore: In a case of mob justice, villagers thrashed a man and his wife after they came across a video in which the woman’s brother and other family members were allegedly seen brutally assaulting his four-year-old son in the district on Wednesday. Six villagers were arrested on Thursday for taking law into their own hands.According to the police, a long-standing family dispute existed between the child’s mother and father over his alleged extramarital affair. A few days back, the man, along with his mother and sister, allegedly assaulted his wife and their four-year-old son using iron rods and sticks. Both have been admitted to Jaleswarpur Hospital for treatment.Recently, a video emerged showing the child being brutally assaulted. As the video went viral, it triggered outrage among villagers. Locals claimed that despite a complaint lodged earlier by the wife, no immediate action was taken by the police.Angered by the incident, villagers, along with women from five self-help groups, convened an informal ‘kangaroo court’ at the village square. They reportedly gheraoed the man’s house. When he and his mother could not be found, the mob allegedly dragged his sister and brother-in-law out, tied them to a pole, and assaulted them in public.Police went to the spot, rescued the injured couple and admitted them to a local hospital for treatment. Kamarda police later arrested six persons in connection with the assault.Confirming the development, Jaleswar sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Subrat Kumar Behera said a case has been registered. “Six accused have been arrested based on the complaint filed by the woman. Further investigation is underway, and efforts are on to identify others involved in the assault,” Behera said.
