A woman in her 30s was beaten up by a mob on suspicion of stealing a gold necklace in a village in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal on Sunday night, said police.

After getting information about the assault, a police team reached the village and rescued her.

She was found in an unconscious state and has been admitted to a hospital, said police. Sources said the woman’s family members have fled the village, fearing retribution.

“Two FIRs have been registered in connection with Sunday’s incident – one for the theft and the other for the subsequent assault on the woman. No arrest has been made so far, and the investigation is ongoing,” Superintendent of Police Soumyadip Bhattacharya.

The SP, however, denied that the woman was stripped and paraded naked by the villagers.

“Preliminary investigations so far have not substantiated any such claims,” the SP said.

Meanwhile, local politicians condemned the incident. Both the ruling TMC and Opposition BJP said they would support the woman and her family.

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