‘Catch the Child Thief’ Rumor Sparks Violence; Over 12 Innocent People Targeted in 5 Days, One Beaten to Death

Ranchi, February 19, 2026: Rumors of child theft have triggered a wave of mob violence across Jharkhand, with innocent people being attacked by mobs based on mere suspicion. In a recent incident in Ranchi, police rescued three individuals from a hostile crowd. Meanwhile, in Chatra district, one person was brutally beaten to death over similar allegations.

Mob Attacks on Innocents

On Thursday, in the Edalhatu area of Ranchi, two women and a man were attacked by a mob while allegedly transporting a child in an auto-rickshaw. Eyewitnesses said the child was crying when someone raised an alarm claiming a kidnapping was in progress. Within minutes, locals gathered, forced the trio out of the vehicle, and began assaulting them. Swift action by the police prevented serious injuries, and the three were taken to safety. Preliminary investigations have found no evidence of an organized child theft gang.

Rumor-Fueled Violence Spreads Across the State

Over the past five days, social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, have amplified child abduction rumors, leading to at least 12 instances of mob attacks in districts including Dhanbad, Chatra, Jamshedpur, Jamtara, Giridih, Ramgarh, Latehar, and Bokaro.

Fatal Lynching in Chatra

In a tragic incident three days ago in Pipperwar, Chatra, a man was lynched by a crowd suspecting him of child theft. He was later found to be mentally unstable. In another case on February 16 in Bokaro, six women were assaulted by a mob over alleged links to a child theft gang but were rescued by police.

Jharkhand Police have urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands and to verify any suspicious information with authorities immediately. Investigations into all recent incidents are ongoing.