The incident took place in Dak Haripur village falling under Robertsganj police station area, they said. Mahesh Yadav was caught hold by locals who alleged that he was trying to steal cattle along with two associates. He was beaten to death, Shiv Sharan Sah, SHO, Robertsganj said.
The officer said the deceased, a resident of another village in the district, had been previously involved in a number of incidents of cattle theft.
A case has been registered in connection with the lynching and investigations are on, he added.