Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Aug 27: In a shocking case of mob violence, a 58-year-old man was beaten to death and his wife brutally assaulted by villagers in Bihar’s Nawada district on Tuesday evening, after they were accused of practising black magic, police said.

Police identified the deceased as Gaya Manjhi, a resident of Panchugarh Musahri. His wife, who sustained serious injuries, has been admitted to a community health centre (CHC) for treatment.

“We got information that the villagers had attacked a couple, killed the husband, and were attempting to burn the wife alive. When we reached the spot, we found the man dead and the woman injured,” said Rupa Kumari, sub-inspector of Hisua police station.

According to Nawada superintendent of police (SP) Abhinav Dhiman, 17 people, including nine women and local resident Mohan Manjhi, have been arrested. Further raids are underway.

The incident reportedly took place during a birthday celebration at Mohan Manjhi’s house. When the music system hired for the event repeatedly malfunctioned, villagers suspected the couple of practising witchcraft. Soon, a large mob dragged the duo out, thrashed them, and subjected them to inhumane treatment.

“They were humiliated, paraded through the streets with their heads partially tonsured, forced to drink urine, and made to wear garlands of shoes and slippers,” said SI Kumari.

Police said they intercepted the accused while they were attempting to dispose of the victim’s body. The timely intervention also prevented the mob from setting the woman on fire.