Mob Violence on the Rise in Odisha: Three Youths Assaulted Over Alleged Goat Theft in Sundargarh, One Missing Rourkela, July 11 (SatyaNewsAlert): Concerns over rising incidents of mob violence in Odisha have intensified after another case surfaced in Sundargarh district, where three youths were allegedly assaulted by villagers on suspicion of goat theft, while a fourth youth remains missing after reportedly jumping into the Brahmani River during the incident. The latest episode comes amid a series of mob violence cases reported from different parts of the state, including Balipatna, Rayagada and Sambalpur, raising fresh questions over law and order and the growing tendency of people to take the law into their own hands. According to preliminary information, four youths from the Malgodam and Lathikata areas of Rourkela allegedly travelled in a car to Dajing village under Chandiposh police limits with the intention of stealing goats. Villagers reportedly noticed the alleged theft attempt and chased the suspects, forcing them to flee in their vehicle. The villagers alerted residents of nearby Karamdihi village over the phone. At the same time, Chandiposh police were conducting vehicle checks on National Highway-143. In an attempt to evade the police, the occupants allegedly diverted their vehicle towards Karamdihi. Seeing villagers waiting ahead, the four youths abandoned the car and ran towards the Brahmani River. One of them reportedly jumped into the river while trying to escape and has remained missing since. Fire Services personnel and an ODRAF team have been carrying out search operations to trace him. The remaining three youths were caught by villagers and allegedly subjected to a severe assault. Videos purportedly showing the assault have since gone viral on social media. After receiving information, Chandiposh police reached the spot, rescued the injured youths and shifted them first to Rourkela Government Hospital. As their condition was reported to be serious, they were later referred to a private hospital for advanced treatment. Police have launched an investigation into both the alleged goat theft attempt and the assault by the mob. According to police sources, investigators suspect the involvement of an organised goat theft racket operating from Rourkela. The group is believed to have targeted rural areas of Sundargarh district before allegedly selling the stolen livestock in Rourkela, Sundargarh, Rajgangpur and other locations. Police said several criminal cases are already under investigation against individuals suspected of being linked to the racket. Police sources further indicated that legal action would also be initiated against those found involved in the mob assault, stressing that no individual has the right to take the law into their own hands. The incident has once again triggered debate over the increasing frequency of mob violence in Odisha. Legal experts and civil society members have expressed concern over the disturbing trend, emphasising that allegations of theft or any other offence must be dealt with through the legal process rather than vigilante justice.