Young man beaten and tied to electric pole in Maheshtala as locals allege repeated thefts in empty homes

Tension flared in the Maheshtala area of Chunchura on Friday morning after an angry mob caught a young man accused of breaking into an unoccupied house. Locals, who have been reporting frequent thefts in the neighbourhood over the past few days, tied the man to an electric pole and assaulted him before the police arrived.

Residents said the youth forced open the locked door of an empty home and broke into a cupboard. Hearing the noise, neighbours rushed to the spot, prompting him to hide inside. According to locals, another person may have been with him, but that individual fled. Police later recovered some money and stolen items from the young man's pocket.

The incident comes amid repeated thefts from vacant houses in Maheshtala, heightening frustration among residents. This time, locals detained the alleged intruder themselves and immediately informed the Chunchura police station.

Police rescued the young man from the mob and took him into custody. Officers said they are investigating why he entered the area and whether he is linked to earlier thefts. Residents have urged authorities to increase patrols to prevent further incidents.