Public outrage is mounting over an alleged mob assault in Assam’s Patharkandi area, where two teenage boys were reportedly brutally attacked while attempting to recover their family’s missing cattle from a neighboring village.
According to local sources, the incident took place on June 1 when members of a family from Mambari village traced their missing cattle to Nalugaon village and went there to bring them back. During the process, two teenage members of the family were allegedly detained by a group of villagers and subjected to severe physical assault.
Witnesses and family members allege that the attackers used sharp weapons, including machetes and swords, and also fired multiple rounds from an air gun at the teenagers. The victims sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Doctors reportedly removed pellets from their bodies, and their condition has been described as serious.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation, with many questioning the growing tendency of mob justice. Critics argue that even if there had been suspicions of theft, the accused should have been handed over to law enforcement authorities rather than being subjected to violence.
Adding to the controversy, videos allegedly showing the assault were reportedly uploaded to Facebook by some of those involved. The videos quickly circulated on social media, bringing the incident to public attention and sparking widespread anger and demands for justice.
The delay in arrests also became a major point of criticism. Although the incident occurred on June 1, police action reportedly intensified only after public protests gained momentum. Authorities have since arrested two accused persons and produced them before a court. However, questions continue to be raised over the limited number of arrests despite allegations that a large crowd participated in the attack.
Condemning the incident, Sonai MLA Aminul Haque Laskar stated that the manner in which the victims were beaten has no place in a civilized society.
A large protest meeting was organized in response to the incident, with participants demanding a fair and impartial investigation and strict action against all those responsible.
Algapur-Katlicherra MLA Zubair Anam also expressed concern over the pace of the investigation, noting that despite allegations of the involvement of many individuals, only two arrests have been made so far. He called on authorities to identify and prosecute every person involved in the assault.
The incident has once again reignited concerns over mob violence and the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands. Civil society groups and local residents have demanded that investigators use available video evidence and social media footage to identify all those responsible and ensure that justice is served.