Jaipur, Sep 17 (IANS) As many as 150 men were made to dip their hand in burning oil in Rajasthan to nail the culprit who had stolen foodgrain.
According to media reports, following a theft in a school in Ranpur, 300 km from here, a local panchayat in Pratapgarh ordered the suspects to dip their hands in burning oil. 82 kg of rice was stolen.
'Agni Pariksha' (test by fire) finds reference in Hindu mythology.
A huge tumbler of hot oil was placed near a river and the villagers aged between 16 and 35 were asked to find a ring in it.
It was believed that the culprit's entire elbow will be burnt and hence he would be caught. However, the exercise was a big failure.
Police went to the village along with a medical team and treated the victims.
Three officials, including police station in-charge of Devgarh, have been suspended in this connection.