Tension gripped the West Hawaibari Kuki Colony area under Teliamura police station on Tuesday following allegations of drug peddling and theft against several youths.
According to local residents, complaints of theft and alleged drug-related activities had been reported in the area for a long time. On Tuesday morning, enraged residents reportedly detained two youths on suspicion of being involved in drug peddling.
During questioning, the names of two other local youths, identified as Kalu and his brother, allegedly surfaced, following which the residents detained them as well. In total, four youths were reportedly held by the locals.
Residents also claimed that containers suspected to be used for drugs were recovered from the possession of the detained youths. The incident created considerable tension in the area. The angry residents allegedly assaulted the youths, tied them to a betel nut tree and kept them restrained until police arrived.
On receiving information, personnel from Teliamura police station reached the spot and took all four youths into custody. Police also seized the suspected drug containers and have initiated an investigation into the incident.
Local residents further alleged that the youths would periodically arrive in vehicles and were involved in stealing goats from the area.
Residents said that repeated incidents of theft and alleged drug-related activities had created fear and insecurity among people in the locality, leading to strong public resentment.
However, the allegations against the four youths, the nature of the seized materials and their alleged links to drug peddling are yet to be established. Police investigation is expected to determine the facts of the case.
