Berhampur, March 18: In a shocking incident of alleged mob justice, a woman and three youths were tied to an electric pole and brutally beaten by villagers in Bhetanai village under Kotinada police limits in Asika area of Ganjam district. A video of the incident has reportedly gone viral on social media.

According to reports, the incident took place two days ago in Dhoba Sahi of Bhetanai village. The woman, along with her son and two other youths who had come to her house, were detained by some villagers on suspicion of theft. The villagers allegedly tied all four to an electric pole and assaulted them severely.

After receiving information about the incident, police reached the spot and rescued the victims. The four individuals were later taken into custody for questioning, while police have launched an investigation into the matter.

Police said the incident appears to have been triggered by suspicion of theft and previous enmity. However, locals are also speculating that an alleged extramarital affair could be another reason behind the assault.