Mizoram: Man Brutally Beaten To Death By Two VDP Members; Arrested

AIZAWL: Two local vigilantes were arrested for reportedly killing a man by beating him for his alleged involvement in theft. The incident took place in the area which is close to the capital city of Aizawl in Mizoram, according to police.

Both the accused identified as K T Zonunsanga, aged 31 and R Lalhmangaihzuala, aged 56 were members of the Village Defence Party (VDP) in the Airfield neighbourhood of Tuirial. They are accused of murdering the victim identified as 31-year-old David Lalmuanpuia after suspecting that he was involved in a theft.

Following their appearance before a magistrate on Sunday, the two men were taken into custody and sent to jail. K Sapdanga, the Home Minister of Mizoram, condemned the incident and asked the public to abide by the law.

David and his friend were taken into custody by vigilantes on the evening of December 18  and were accused of stealing Rs. 26,000 from the residence of a local pastor.

David's mother, Nunthangmawii, described how vigilantes questioned and harshly assaulted her son for hours, leading to his death. She said she pleaded for mercy and sought help from the pastor, but it was in vain.

David passed away early on December 19 after being found unresponsive during the lengthy interrogation and sent to a hospital. His mother maintained that since her son was home when the theft occurred, he could not have been involved.

The police have charged the accused with culpable homicide not amounting to murder and are continuing their investigation. More suspects involved in the incident have been identified and will be arrested shortly.

The local public is calling for severe punishment for the vigilantes after David's death incited widespread uproar. The pastor was also criticized by some for not stepping in.

In the event that the government does not respond quickly, the Centre for Environment and Social Justice (CESJ) has warned to take the matter to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

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