Rewa, Jan 25 (NationPress) In a deeply disturbing event of violence in Madhya Pradesh, a 60-year-old man identified as Lakshman Prajapati was bound with a towel and dragged behind a vehicle, believed to be a motorcycle, for several meters by three assailants after he declined to give them money while cycling.

The victim now fights for his life in critical condition at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa. This brutal act led to severe abrasions that removed a significant portion of his skin.

The horrific attack occurred around 4:30 PM on Saturday in the Semaria village of the Rewa district. Reports indicate that the perpetrators called out to Prajapati to halt, but when he did not comply, they seized him, bound him, and dragged him down the road as retribution for refusing their cash demands.

A video capturing the incident emerged and quickly went viral on social media by Sunday morning, inciting widespread outrage among locals and internet users. The footage depicted the elderly man being ruthlessly pulled, showcasing the shocking nature of the assault.

In response, Rewa police detained one of the suspects, Kunnu Saket. The other two remain at large, and a manhunt is currently in progress to apprehend them.

Investigation officer Vikas Kapish informed IANS that Kunnu Saket and his accomplices were accountable for dragging the victim. He noted that further inquiries are ongoing to uncover the exact motives behind the crime, although initial reports suggest it was an attempted robbery.

Outraged family members and villagers from Semaria organized a chakka jam (road blockade) on the Rewa-Semaria road to protest the event and demand prompt justice, alongside enhanced security in rural areas.

This heinous act has reignited serious concerns regarding the safety of senior citizens in remote regions of the state, where such crimes can occur unchecked without immediate intervention. Police have pledged that every effort will be made to locate the fleeing suspects and ensure stringent punishment under applicable laws.

While Lakshman Prajapati’s condition remains critical, the investigation officer stated, “He is alright.” Community leaders are advocating for swift actions to restore confidence in law enforcement and prevent similar incidents.