Bengaluru, April 7 -- Eight people have been arrested for allegedly assaulting two minor boys from the Hakki Pikki community, semi-nomadic Scheduled Tribe, after tying them to an areca tree over suspicion of robbery in Channagiri taluk, Davangere district, police said on Sunday, adding that a search has been initiated for the ninth accused.

Channagiri police inspector M Ravish said that the incident, which occurred three days ago, came to light on Saturday after a purported video of the assault went viral on social media. "The two boys were accused of theft and alleged indecent behaviour and as punishment, the two were tied to a tree and attacked, with red ants reportedly used during the assault."

"The attack was carried out by nine peo...