Balasore: Police have detained several individuals for interrogation in connection with the alleged lynching of Sheikh Makarand Muhammad, a 33-year-old resident of Astia village, on Wednesday evening.Balasore Sadar SDPO Subharanshu Sekhar Nayak said, “We have detained several people for interrogation. Adequate police arrangements have been made to maintain law and order in the district. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure peace and prevent further unrest.”According to the police, Makarand, a helper in a pickup van, was stopped by a group of men. He was reportedly assaulted with sharp weapons and plastic pipes. A video of the incident has gone viral.Police said initially two FIRs had been registered. The first one was about a road accident involving an overturned van. In the second FIR, the victim’s brother alleged a targeted mob attack. Police confirmed that three suspects have been arrested and further raids are underway to identify and apprehend others involved.Police are also monitoring social media for provocative comments and videos related to the incident.
