Suspected vehicle thief lynched in Manipur

Villagers lynched a suspected motor vehicle thief in Manipur, sparking fears of Hindu-Muslim tensions, police said on Friday.

Farooq Khan of Thoubal district was beaten to death by villagers of Tharoijam in Imphal district on Thursday. Muslim organizations are demanding a thorough probe by the government, contending that the victim was innocent.

Police say they have taken steps to ensure the crime does not have a communal spillover.