Hazaribag: A 22-year-old man accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl was allegedly beaten to death by a group of people in Chatra district on Tuesday morning.Police said villagers attacked the man with fists, kicks and sticks after allegations of abduction and rape surfaced against him. Police rescued him and took him to a local hospital. He was later referred to another hospital for advanced treatment, where he died.Police and local sources said the girl had been missing since Sunday night and returned home late on Monday. She allegedly told her family that the man had abducted and sexually assaulted her. She also accused him of threatening her with dire consequences if she disclosed the incident.The allegations triggered outrage among the girl’s family members and other villagers, who began searching for the accused on Tuesday. Police reached the area after receiving information about escalating tension. However, the mob allegedly caught the man while he was trying to flee and assaulted him before police could intervene.SDPO Prabhat Ranjan Barwar confirmed that the accused died following the attack and said action was being initiated on the basis of statements from both sides.The girl has been sent for a medical examination. Additional forces have been deployed amid tension, officers said, adding that the situation is under control. Further investigation into both incidents is under way.
