Indian woman tied to tree by mob on suspicion of being child snatcher

An irate mob allegedly physically assaulted a woman on Saturday after trying her to a tree in northern India.

Residents of Raheli village in Uttar Pradesh took things into their own hands because they suspected her of being a child snatcher.

A video showed the woman tied to a tree as a group of locals interrogated her.

Villagers said incidents of child-snatching had taken place previously, raising concerns among locals.

The woman was found hiding in a paddy field.

At least nine people have been arrested in connection with the case, according to local media.

Police said the perpetrators will be dealt with strictly.

Even though mob lynchings and "moral policing" are deemed illegal in India, they often take place, triggering rows.