Two lynched over suspicion of cow theft in West Bengal

A mob stopped the van and recovered the cows, which were believed to be stolen a few days ago. After questioning the duo about their whereabouts, the mob beat them and set the van on fire.

Cooch Behar:Two persons have been lynched over suspicion of cattle theft in Coochbehar district. Police have arrested 14 persons for their alleged involvement in the incident.

It took place on Thursday in Mathabanga area when Rabiul Islam and Prakash Das were ferrying two cows in a van.

According to police, a mob stopped the van and recovered the cows, which it claimed were stolen from the area a few days ago and were being taken to cattle smugglers.

After questioning the duo about their whereabouts, the mob beat them and set the van on fire.

The cops rushed them to Cooch Behar Medical College and Hospital, where they died.

The West Bengal Assembly had recently passed the West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, 2019, which is waiting for the governor's assent.

Several lynchings cases were reported from the tea belt in July. The local police launched an extensive awareness campaign to curb repeats.

Cattle smuggling is a problem in the region due to the porous border with Bangladesh.