Speech-impaired teen thrashed to death during T20 World Cup final over 'India wicket loss cheer'

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A speech-impaired minor was allegedly beaten to death over some misunderstanding during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final on Sunday evening in Bihar's Vaishali district.

The victim, identified as Kundan Kumar, was watching the match with a group of teenagers in Jakkopur village when he was assaulted.

The 17-year-old allegedly shouted when India lost a wicket and that led to an argument which later escalated into a physical fight, TOI said in its report quoting villagers. One of the boys reportedly misunderstood Kundan's reaction as a celebration.

"On March 8, Kundan stepped out of the house for some work. It is not known how he ended up near those people. Some boys from the village were watching the match on a cellphone. My son also joined them," the victim's mother told TOI.

She alleged that the boys smashed his head over the misunderstanding. "When India's first wicket fell, Kundan screamed. They thought he was happy about the wicket falling. The youths beat him up and smashed his head," the woman said.

Locals rushed to Kundan's rescue and took him Mahnar Community Health Centre (CHC). Doctors, however, referred him to Hajipur Sadar Hospital, after providing the teenager primary treatment. Kundan was then referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) as his condition was critical. But Kundan succumbed to his injuries when he was being taken to PMCH for further treatment.

"The assault took place in a mutual dispute between two youths over watching cricket. During the altercation, Kundan fell on a stone after being pushed, which caused him serious injuries," TOI said in its report quoting Mahnar SDPO Praveen Kumar.

According to police, a forensic team visited the spot and collected samples from the crime scene. Two teams have been formed to track down the accused identified as Kisan Kumar (17), son of Visunkant Thakur.