Daijiworld Media Network - Chhindwara

Chhindwara, Aug 7: Three youths were allegedly paraded with bundles of barbed wire around their necks and assaulted by a group of locals on suspicion of theft in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district on Friday. Police said the incident was captured on video, which has since gone viral on social media.

The incident occurred at Iklehra township, around 30 km from Chhindwara, under the Parasia police station limits. The youths were suspected of stealing iron cables from a closed Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) filter plant.

According to police, local residents reviewed CCTV footage following repeated thefts at the premises and identified the three suspects, who were later called for questioning.

The youths were allegedly paraded through the locality with bundles of cables hanging around their necks and shoulders before being kicked, punched and beaten with slippers by a group of people. Police said the assailants included security guards employed by the state-run WCL.

Police inspector Khemchand Patel said the allegation of theft is under investigation and action will also be taken against those who assaulted the youths.

"It is the police's job to take legal action. Action will also be taken against those who assaulted the youths. The matter is being thoroughly investigated," Patel said.

WCL Iklehra Township Manager Vikram Malvi said the company had earlier informed police about repeated thefts of iron cables from the premises.