Vadodara: A 21-year-old Muslim youth, Sehbaaz Khan Salim Khan Pathan, was lynched by a mob in Warasiya locality on Saturday, allegedly over suspicions of theft. Another youth, 20-year-old Imran Tiliyawala, who was with him, sustained serious injuries but managed to escape the brutal assault.
According to the police, the two youths were confronted by locals late at night, who accused them of planning a robbery. When questioned, both allegedly tried to flee the scene. While Tiliyawala managed to escape, Pathan was caught and mercilessly beaten by the mob. Police rushed to the spot but struggled to control the situation, with three officers sustaining injuries in the chaos. Pathan and Tiliyawala were taken to a government hospital, where Pathan was declared dead. Tiliyawala is currently undergoing treatment.
DCP Panna Momaya said the two were found with tools allegedly used for theft, and the two-wheeler they rode on was also reported stolen.
“They were questioned by locals due to their suspicious presence in the area late at night. While one managed to flee, the other was caught and beaten by the mob,” said Momaya.
The Vadodara city police have filed an FIR for murder against unidentified persons under relevant sections of the law.
“We are examining CCTV footage to identify those involved in the assault. The mob should not have taken the law into their own hands. The injured officers are also receiving medical care,” Momaya added.
This incident has raised concerns about rising mob violence in Gujarat, with community members questioning the growing trend of individuals taking justice into their own hands, particularly when it involves Muslim youth.
