Agartala, May 26, 2025: Tension flared in the Tripura’s Hospital Road area of Sonamura under Sepahijala district on Sunday afternoon after a youth was tied to a tree and severely beaten by locals who accused him of stealing a goat.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place near the Old Cinema Hall area in Sonamura, where the youth was allegedly caught red-handed while trying to steal the animal. Enraged by the repeated incidents of theft in the locality, the residents decided to take matters into their own hands.

“This has become a regular menace. Many of these youths are addicted to drugs and have turned to theft and other crimes. We’ve handed them over to the police before, but they come back and do the same things again,” said a local resident on condition of anonymity.

Sources revealed that drug addiction is a growing concern in the Sonamura subdivision and across the state, with a section of young individuals resorting to anti-social activities to fund their addiction. Despite repeated police intervention, many of these youths relapse into criminal behavior.

However, the incident took a disturbing turn when a video showing the mob violence went viral on social media, sparking public outrage over the vigilante action.

Reacting to the incident, a police official said, “We have identified individuals involved in taking the law into their own hands. Legal action is being initiated against them. No one is above the law, and such acts of violence will not be tolerated.”

Authorities have assured that investigations are underway both into the theft allegation and the mob assault. Police presence has been increased in the area to prevent further unrest.