Palghar Mob Lynching: 2 Sadhus Killed Brutally

In a display of brutality, a mob of around 200 villagers flouting all lockdown norms lynched three people in Maharashtra's Palghar on Thursday night after rumors of they were kidnapping children to harvest organs. The scenes of which went viral on social media drew widespread condemnation and political annotation.

Shocking visuals show angry residents of Gadchinchale village, armed with sticks and stones, out of control and attacking a police team as they try to restore order and rescue the 70-year-old man and the two others. Two of those killed are sadhus, the third was the driver of the car they were travelling in. They were actually travelling towards Surat to attend the funeral of a common acquaintance.

When the police team reached the spot and took them to their van, the crowds attacked the police van and continued to assault them till they succumbed. The victims were later identified as Sushilgiri Maharaj, 30, Chikne Maharaj Kalpavriksha Giri, 70 and their driver Nilesh Telwade, 30.

On Sunday, former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis condemned the incident calling it "shocking and inhuman". Fadnavis demanded the State Government set up a high-level inquiry into the matter and ensure justice.

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray reacted on the matter, saying the Palghar incident has been acted upon. "Nobody guilty in this heinous crime and shameful act will be spared and they will be brought to justice in the strongest way possible," the CMO handle tweeted.

Palghar police have arrested 110 people in connection with the incident. Of these, 9 persons are juvenile.