One person was killed and four others were critically injured after a mob attacked them on suspicion of cattle theft in Assam’s Kokrajhar district, police said on Tuesday.
The incident took place on Monday night when the victims, all associated with a road construction project, were returning from a site inspection in the Aoudang area.
Police said their vehicle was intercepted on the Gouri Nagar–Mashing Road by a group of local residents who allegedly mistook them for cattle lifters.
During the attempt to stop the vehicle, it reportedly met with an accident and skidded off the road.
The occupants were then allegedly assaulted by the mob, which also set the vehicle on fire, resulting in severe burn injuries.
One of the victims, identified as Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit, also known as Raja, later succumbed to his injuries.
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He was the son-in-law of contractor Moranda Basumatary.
The four injured — Prabhat Brahma, Jubiraj Brahma, Sunil Murmu and Mahesh Murmu — were rushed to Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
Hospital sources said Prabhat Brahma remains in critical condition.
Police, fire and emergency services reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
Although tension continues to prevail in the area, several persons have been detained for questioning, and an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances leading to the attack.
