Ranchi, June 4 (IANS) Residents of Ranchi took to the streets on Thursday to protest the alleged lynching of a youth, blocking roads and demanding the arrest of all those involved in the murder.

A large number of people staged a protest at Makhmandro Chowk under the Ratu police station limits, blocking the road and burning tyres while raising slogans against the police administration.

The demonstrators demanded swift action and the immediate arrest of all accused in the killing. The situation normalised after police officials assured action.

Meanwhile, police have arrested the two main accused — Indrajit Sahu and Vikas Sahu — in connection with the case. Raids are underway to nab the third-named accused, Santosh Sahu.

The incident took place on Wednesday in Lehna village under the Ratu police station area, where 25-year-old Rohit Mirdha was allegedly assaulted by a mob. He was rushed to a hospital in a critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries at night.

The deceased was the nephew of BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha state vice-president Kamlesh Ram. An FIR has been registered at Ratu police station on the complaint of the victim’s father, Udit Mirdha. The FIR names Indrajit Sahu, Santosh Sahu, and Vikas Sahu, along with 10-15 unidentified persons, as accused.

According to the complaint, Rohit was beaten up in the village, and even family members who tried to intervene were misbehaved with.

On the other hand, Indrajit Sahu’s wife, Sharda Devi, has filed a counter-complaint alleging that Rohit had made inappropriate advances and behaved indecently with her, after which villagers gathered and assaulted him.

The victim’s father has denied the allegations, calling them baseless, and claimed that his son was targeted as part of a conspiracy. He also referred to an ongoing land dispute in the village.

Police said they are investigating the case from all angles, taking into account complaints from both sides and available evidence.

–IANS

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