Three sadhus travelling by car to Gangasagar from Uttar Pradesh were allegedly beaten up by a mob and their vehicle vandalised at a village in Purulia on Thursday on the suspicion that they were child-lifters.

The incident occurred at Gaurangdi village in Purulia’s Kashipur in the wake of rumours that the trio were trying to kidnap children.

Police rescued the trio and took them to a hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and released. The police confirmed the trio from Bareilly were Gangasagar-bound pilgrims.

Police sources said the trio asked children about the nearest highway to Calcutta. “The pilgrims spoke in Hindi, which the children did not know. Some people rushed
to the spot and started to assault the trio and vandalise their car on the suspicion that they were child-lifters,” said a cop.

BJP national president J.P. Nadda accused the Bengal government of lawlessness.

A Trinamul leader in Purulia said it was a misunderstanding and cops had acted fast.

Twelve persons were arrested in this case on Friday night.