Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Minor Dies After Mob Attack in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: A man accused of sexually assaulting a minor girl was beaten to death by a mob in the Old City area on Thursday night. The incident took place in the Hussaini Alam locality, a densely populated part of the city. Police arrived at the scene after the attack but the man had already succumbed to his injuries.

How the Incident Unfolded

Local residents caught the man after hearing the girl's cries for help. Eyewitnesses said the victim's family and neighbours confronted the accused, who tried to flee. A crowd quickly gathered, and some individuals began assaulting him with sticks and stones.

The mob assault lasted several minutes. By the time police reached the spot, the man was lying unconscious with severe head injuries. He was rushed to Osmania General Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Police Response and Investigation

Hyderabad Police have registered a murder case against unknown persons. Officials have not yet confirmed the identity of the deceased or the minor victim. "We are examining CCTV footage from nearby shops and residences," a senior police officer said, requesting anonymity. "Legal action will be taken against those responsible for the mob violence."

The police have also filed a separate case regarding the sexual assault complaint. The minor girl has been sent for medical examination. Her family has not made any public statement.

Community Reactions

Local residents expressed mixed reactions. Some said the mob acted out of anger and frustration over repeated crimes against children in the area. Others condemned the extra-judicial killing, saying it undermines the rule of law.

"The man should have been handed over to police. We cannot take law into our own hands," said a shopkeeper who did not wish to be named. "But people are fed up with such incidents."

Police have increased patrolling in the area to prevent any further unrest. They have urged citizens to report crimes through official channels rather than resorting to violence.

The accused was a local resident, according to preliminary reports. His family has not been contacted by authorities yet.

This is not the first such incident in Hyderabad. In 2024, a similar mob lynching occurred in the same district after a theft accusation. Activists have repeatedly called for stricter action against vigilante justice.

What happens next: Police are expected to file a chargesheet within the next three weeks. The case will be tried in a local court, where the accused in the murder case will face charges under Indian Penal Code sections related to unlawful assembly and culpable homicide.