An attempt to utilise the widespread rumours about child snatchers and consequent lynching to defame and settle scores has come to light in the town. The accused, who is a minor and a resident of the town, allegedly put a picture of a neighbour (16 years old) on whatsapp saying that the boy is a child snatcher. The accused harboured enmity with the boy’s family and tried to defame the family through this method. He anticipated public anger against the boy.
One person from Mulbagal who received the message on his cellphone brought the issue to the notice of the boy’s family. Fearing that the boy will be attacked by the public, his family did not let him go out of the house for a couple of days. Finally the family approached the Town police and lodged a complaint against the accused.
Though the family of the boy maintained that the accused is their neighbour, the police said it is yet to be ascertained who had uploaded the picture. The police have also clarified that the boy is not a child lifter.
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“The picture of the boy was taken last year when he visited Mulbagal. We have advised his parents not to send him there in view of the development. We are yet to trace the accused ”, police said.
No case has been registered, the police added.