Man beaten to death in Kanjhawala on theft suspicion; 8 arrested

New Delhi: A man was allegedly beaten to death by several people on suspicion of theft in northwest Delhi’s Kanjhawala area on Wednesday, with police arresting eight persons.

Police said they received information around 4 pm and found the man dead on arrival.

“The assault began when the man entered a labourer’s house to commit theft. The labourer spotted him and allegedly attacked him with a stone, hitting him on the head before letting him go,” a senior officer said.

The injured man then moved through the locality, where some residents allegedly recognised him and claimed he robbed them earlier. They also reportedly assaulted him, police said.

According to investigators, the man was stopped again at another spot and beaten by another group. His hands and feet were tied to prevent escape while locals alerted police.

Police said the labourer claimed he had seen the same man earlier, which prompted the attack.

Initial reports suggested mob lynching. However, police said the case is being probed as murder and not under charges related to mob lynching or common intention.

Investigators are scanning CCTV footage and recording statements to establish the sequence of events and the role of each accused.