In several districts of Jharkhand, widespread chaos erupted following rumors of child theft, leading villagers to physically assault five individuals, including a woman they mistook for a child thief. The police intervened in time, rescuing those who had been taken hostage by the mob. Reports indicate that in Chandanpur village, which falls under the Shyamsundarpur police station area, two snake charmers from North 24 Parganas in West Bengal were held captive by locals who suspected them of being involved in child trafficking.

One of the local police officials, Sunil Kumar Bhokta, confirmed that the snake charmers faced a violent mob attack before police arrived on the scene. Despite being rescued, the individuals, identified through their identity cards as from Minanur Mandal and Lahul Mandal in West Bengal, declined to file any formal complaints against their attackers. The police have advised them against returning to the villages in the immediate aftermath to ensure their safety.

The situation indicates a growing concern around the spread of false information and how it can trigger mob violence, particularly in rural areas where superstitions and rumors can escalate quickly. Local authorities are now under pressure to manage public fears regarding child safety while addressing the dangers posed by such irrational fears leading to violence.