4 held for killing mentally ill man on theft suspicion

Delhi Police have arrested four persons accused of beating to death a 28-year-old mentally ill man in public view on suspicion that he stole some items from a haystack godown in northwest Delhi's Swaroop Nagar.

A fifth person accused in the case is absconding and raids are being conducted to nab him, said a senior police officer.

Shankar's body was found dumped in an open field at Vijay Chowk area near Swaroop Nagar yesterday after he was allegedly thrashed by the five accused in front of a dozen people, the officer said.

"His family told us that he was mentally ill and would often go out and return late. He was not much aware what he was doing and was also undergoing treatment," the officer added.
 

The four accused -- Andeep, Anup, Subhash and Harendra -- were arrested yesterday itself following questioning of locals and eyewitnesses, he said.

Anup is the owner of the haystack where Shankar allegedly committed robbery while Andeep, Subhash and Harendra worked as labourers under him.

A team led by Bharat Ram Meena, SHO, Swaroop Nagar arrested Anup and Andeep from Bawana, while Subhash and Harendra were arrested from Swaroop Nagar and Bhalswa dairy area, respectively.

The fifth accused is the landlord of the land where the shop is located and is currently on the run.

The involvement of five persons was established when during the probe police met a local security guard, Jai Kumar, and learnt that he had witnessed the mob lynching.

Kumar told police that he was returning home after work when he saw the five men beating up Shankar.

"The attackers had pinned down Shankar and were thrashing him. Around a dozen men were standing and watching the thrashing as spectators. The guard was scared seeing the thrashing and neither informed police nor made an attempt to rescue the man," said a senior police officer.

Around a dozen persons were detained in connection with the murder and the fact that he was lynched by the mob was confirmed during investigation.

"Shankar was allegedly caught red-handed stealing iron plates and other items from the godown. It has been learnt that similar thefts had taken place in the area and the accused suspected it to be the handiwork of Shankar," said the officer.

Shankar was unemployed and unmarried.