A man was allegedly lynched by a mob on Wednesday near a tea garden in Malbazar on suspicion that police had released him and one other in connection with the killing of a youth, a police officer said.
The incident took place at a labour colony near Sonagachi tea garden, when the mob allegedly set fire the house of one of the accused and lynched him, the officer said.
Two men, including the accused, were earlier in the week detained by police for questioning in a case relating to the killing of the youth, who was looted while returning home after a gambling session on Monday.
Rumours spread on Wednesday that police had released the duo, following which locals went on the rampage, he said.
Police have arrested two people for Wednesday's incident and further investigation is underway.