The incident took place last night when 37-year-old Rajiv and his accomplice Rajaram Kewat went to Asimchak village allegedly to steal a pickup van, Superintendent of police Babu Ram today said.
A mob overpowered the two and beat them resulting in the death of Rajiv. Kewat sustained severe injuries and is in an unconscious state in a hospital, Ram said.
Rajiv had been arrested and jailed for similar crimes in the past, the SP said, adding, he was a member of an organised gang of vehicle lifters the details of which are under investigation.