Dumariya (Bihar), Mar 23 : Maoists conducted a public court here to punish four thieves caught in connection with automobile thefts in the state.

The thieves were accused of stealing one car and two two-wheelers.

The court, which was held in the forest area of Dumariya region in Bihar, saw the thieves being subjected to judgement by villagers.

The villagers beat the thieves up with sticks publicly as a punishment for their crime.

"The Maoists caught us and then handed over to the public," said Dhruv Sagar, a thief.

The Maoists said they did not believe in the police procedure and hence preferred this way to punish the culprits.

"The police send the culprits to prison but here we directly hand over the culprits to the public and they decide their punishment," said Kishore, Maoist Commander. (ANI)