Mistaken for a mobile snatcher, youth beaten to death by residents

A shocking incident has come to light in the city in which local residents mistook a youth for a mobile phone snatcher and brutally attacked him. During the assault, the victim called his brother and asked him to reach for help.

The victim’s family searched for him till late at night on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, they received information from the Civil Hospital mortuary that the youth had died and his body was in the morgue.

The victim’s brother stated in his complaint that Lovepreet (19) had called him, saying his life was in danger. According to family members, Lovepreet left home late on Tuesday night with an acquaintance, Dev, saying he was going to work in night shift at a factory. Sources said Lovepreet had a love marriage two weeks ago and he had been staying with his maternal aunt, Baljeet Kaur, since childhood.

Providing information to the police, Baljeet Kaur said Dev called Lovepreet and took him on a motorcycle. Soon after, Lovepreet called his brother Manpreet and said his life was in danger and to save him. After the phone call, Manpreet could not speak to Lovepreet again. Family members informed the police that Lovepreet died after being severely beaten by local residents, who suspected him of mobile phone snatching.

Meanwhile, the police stated that some people had informed them about a mobile phone snatching incident. During this time, Dev and Lovepreet were roaming in the area. The enraged mob attacked the youths, believing them to be the culprits. Lovepreet succumbed to his injuries due to the brutal assault.

Inspector Kulwant Kaur, in-charge of the Police Division 6, confirmed the incident and stated that the deceased’s friend, Dev, had a suspicious criminal background. He is currently in police custody for questioning. She stated that Dev and Lovepreet were riding a motorcycle when some residents mistook them for mobile phone snatchers and apprehended the duo. During the altercation, Lovepreet was severely beaten and died later.

According to the SHO, the police are thoroughly investigating the incident. CCTV camera footage from nearby areas was being checked to identify the people involved in the attack. Lovepreet’s body has been taken in custody and sent for autopsy and it will be handed over to his family soon. The police also clarified that the exact number of people involved in the attack has not yet been confirmed.

Ludhiana