Thane: Duo lynched over theft in Ambernath

The spot where the duo’s bodies were found. Pic/Navneet Barhate

The Shivaji Nagar police in Ambernath have launched a probe into the murder of two men, who were allegedly lynched to death after being caught stealing in the early hours of Saturday morning. The police said the mob attacked the duo - Suraj Parmar, 25, and Suraj Kori, 22 - with bamboo sticks, which led to their death in the Durgapada area.

"On Saturday morning, we found two dead bodies in the vicinity which had suffered serious injuries. It was clear that the assault had led to their deaths. They were shifted to a civic hospital in Ambernath, where the doctors declared them dead," an officer said. The Shivaji Nagar police has for the moment registered an Accidental Death Report in connection with the incident. The police and the Ulhasnagar unit of the Thane Crime Branch are now parallely investigating the alleged murder.

"We found that the deceased had a history of committing thefts in the area. Our investigation revealed that the duo had stolen a motor-operated water pump, and were about to flee when they were caught by the locals. They were assaulted with bamboo sticks and their bodies were thrown aside. The assailants fled without informing anyone," said a police officer.

"The Shivaji Nagar police have registered a case of murder and rioting. We have detained five people and are further investigating the matter," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone IV) Sudhakar Pathare, Thane Police. The Crime Branch has also detained several suspects. They will be handed over to the Shivaji Nagar police if their involvement is confirmed.