Balasore: A youth was beaten by villagers for allegedly attempting to rape a Class IX girl in the Simulia area of Balasore district on Sunday.
The youth, identified as Prashant Samal from Antara village, allegedly intercepted the girl at a secluded location while she was returning home from a tuition class.
According to reports, Samal attempted to rape the girl after throwing her bicycle and books into a nearby canal.
Alerted by the girl’s cries, villagers rushed to the scene, rescued the victim, and apprehended Samal as he tried to flee. Enraged, the mob tied him to a tree, thrashed him, and set his motorcycle ablaze.
Upon being informed, the police arrived at the scene, took the accused into custody, and launched an investigation into the incident.