Dhanbad: Panic and confusion have spread across urban and rural parts of the district following widespread rumours about alleged ‘child-lifters’, leading to several incidents of mob violence against innocent people in many districts in recent weeks. Authorities say passers-by, migrant workers, mentally challenged individuals, and strangers have been attacked merely on suspicion, with police later confirming that most victims had no criminal intent.Police attribute the unrest primarily to unverified videos and messages circulating on social media and online groups. Many viral clips are reportedly old or from other states but falsely shared as recent incidents.
Senior superintendent of police Prabhat Kumar on Tuesday advised citizens to not take the law into their own hands under any circumstances. “If anyone notices suspicious activity, they should immediately inform the nearest police station or dial 112. Police teams will respond promptly and verify the situation.”The SSP warned that strict legal action will be taken against those spreading rumours, sharing inflammatory content, or participating in mob assaults. Offenders may face serious charges, including assault, grievous injury, attempt to murder, and violations under the Information Technology Act.Police have urged residents not to forward unverified content online and to rely only on official information. Parents have also been advised to remain vigilant about children’s safety and avoid panic-driven actions.Appealing for calm, police officials emphasised that public safety depends on cooperation with law enforcement, not mob justice, urging citizens to stay alert and refrain from believing or spreading rumours.
