Bhubaneswar, April 4 -- In a disturbing incident of alleged mob justice, two youths were tied to an electric pole and brutally assaulted by villagers on suspicion of theft in Odisha's Malkangiri district, raising serious concerns over law and order and vigilantism.

The incident occurred in Kumbhiguda village under the Kalimela police limits on Friday. According to reports, the two youths, residents of MV-41 village, had gone to Kumbhiguda when locals suspected them of engaging in theft. 

Acting on suspicion, a group of villagers apprehended the duo and subjected them to severe physical assault. They were reportedly tied to an electric pole and beaten mercilessly in full public view.

After the assault, the villagers handed over the...