Keonjhar: Despite issuance of advisory by Odisha Police over child theft rumours in the state, locals today thrashed a software engineer suspecting him to be a child-lifter at HUDCO Colony in Odisha's Keonjhar town.

According to reports, Digambar Lohar, the victim, was plucking leaves from a tree in the colony around 11.30 am when some locals chased and attacked him with sharp weapons over child theft suspicion.

Lohar sustained critical injuries in the attack. On being informed, police reached the spot, rescued him and admitted him to hospital.

It may be recalled here that Odisha Police had recently issued an advisory in this regard warning stern action against those taking law into their hands in such situations.