A shocking incident reported by a news agency states that a mentally unstable man was abused by five auto drivers who also burnt his genitals after they suspected him of being a thief.

The victim, identified as 30-year-old Ajesh, was beaten up by five auto drivers in Thiruvallam, Kerala, alleging that he had stolen a wallet and a mobile phone of a man who napping at the central bus stand in Thampanoor. Suffering 40 percent burns on his genitals, the victim succumbed to his injuries soon after. "The burns were sustained in private body parts and that could have led to his death," the police reportedly said.

The accused, identified as Naseer, Dinesh Varghese, Arun, Sajan, and Robinson, were identified and arrested after a video of the incident recorded by the spectators was handed over to the Thiruvallam police. They have been remanded in judicial custody after being produced before a court.