Case file · High strangeness
Child-lifter rumours and the Rainpada lynching
In 2018 WhatsApp rumours of child-kidnapping gangs and organ thieves led to dozens of lynchings across India; on 1 July five nomadic men were beaten to death at Rainpada, Maharashtra.
2018 CE · 21.03, 74.00 · status: explained
The account
Doctored videos and voice notes spread fear of strangers. WhatsApp limited message forwarding in India in response.
The sceptical view
No kidnapping gang was found behind the rumours. It is a modern case of the old 'child-stealer' legend in a new medium.