According to police, the police team had gone to arrest Saddam Lashkar, accused of cheating people in the name of selling gold idols. “When the police reached the village, a mob of around 200 to 250 people surrounded them and freed the accused. The mob also beat up the police officers and opened fire,” said a police officer.

However, no one was injured in the incident.

The officer added that the policemen were told they would not be spared if any action was taken against anyone in the village.

According to the police, Saddam had duped a Nadia-based businessman of Rs 12 lakh by promising idols of “pure gold”. Police said there have been several instances in the area where people were duped on the promise of gold idols at low rates.

“A massive police force has been deployed in the area to investigate the incident and nab the accused. Two women have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the fraud,” Superintendent of Police (Baruipur) Palashchandra Dhali said.

According to police, several fraud gangs have been active in the Kultali area in the name of selling gold idols. “It is a regular business in the area. Their modus operandi is calling the buyers with money to collect gold idols. When the buyers arrive with money, the miscreants loot them and escape,” said an official.

“Monday’s mob attack highlights the prevalence of gold idol fraudsters in the Kultali area. Additional forces have been deployed and are searching for other culprits,” said the official.