The 2024 Lok Sabha election victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ushered in a new era of heightened tension and violence in India. Amidst the jubilant celebrations of their electoral triumph, a dark undercurrent of hate-fueled violence has emerged, casting a shadow over the nation. Consequently, the surge in mob lynching incidents, particularly targeting the Muslim community, has become a grim testament to the deepening divisions and intolerance within Indian society. The alarming increase in these heinous acts of vigilantism during 2023 and 2024 underscores the urgent need for a critical examination of the socio-political climate that enables such brutality. As India grapples with this disturbing reality, it becomes imperative to confront the forces perpetuating this cycle of violence and to seek pathways toward restoring communal harmony and justice.
Mob Lynching in Post-Election India
Mob lynching has a troubling history in India, often rooted in deep-seated communal tensions and socio-economic disparities. Over the past decades, various instances of hate crimes and communal violence have scared the nation, reflecting the undercurrents of intolerance. In this context, the rise of the BJP, with its Hindutva ideology, has exacerbated these issues. The party’s rhetoric and policies have been perceived as marginalizing minority communities, particularly Muslims, thereby fostering an environment where vigilante justice can thrive.
Between June 7 and July 5, 2024, there were ten reported lynching incidents across various states, including Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal. These cases reflect a disturbing trend of increasing violence under the guise of communal protection. The victims, predominantly Muslims, were targeted based on flimsy pretexts, often accused of cow slaughter or theft without evidence. During this period, there was a sharp rise in communal tensions, with mobs taking the law into their own hands, emboldened by the perceived support from the ruling party.
Besides lynching, there were instances of communal violence in Telangana, Odisha, and Rajasthan. These violent outbreaks, often triggered by trivial disputes or orchestrated provocations, have led to significant loss of life and property. It is anticipated that the frequency and intensity of these incidents will increase in the coming days, reflecting a growing climate of fear and hostility. This violence, largely directed at minority communities, highlights the failure of the BJP government to maintain law and order and protect its citizens.
Furthermore, targeted bulldozer actions occurred in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), along with forced evictions following attacks on Muslim establishments in Himachal Pradesh. These actions, often justified under various legal pretexts, disproportionately impact Muslim communities, exacerbating their vulnerability. The use of bulldozers to demolish homes and businesses without due process represents a gross abuse of power and a blatant display of state-sponsored discrimination. Despite First Information Reports (FIRs), no arrests have been made in many cases, purportedly supported by BJP and RSS elements within the bureaucracy and judiciary. This lack of accountability underscores a systemic failure to address and deter mob violence. The impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators, often shielded by political connections, erodes public trust in the justice system and emboldens further acts of violence.
Cases of mob lynching under the pretext of protecting cows have been increasing since 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power. This justification has become a common pretext for targeting and attacking minority communities, particularly Muslims. The government’s tacit support for cow vigilante groups has led to a culture of fear, where individuals can be lynched based on mere suspicion of cow slaughter. In June 2024, Chhattisgarh police made their first arrest in a mob lynching case of three minority youths, apprehending a 23-year-old suspect after community protests. Similarly, a man was lynched in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh over theft suspicion. These isolated arrests, however, do little to address the broader trend of impunity and violence. The government’s failure to prosecute and punish the perpetrators of such crimes sends a message that mob violence is acceptable, further endangering vulnerable communities.
Political Rhetoric and Propaganda
Moreover, hate speech and propaganda, often disseminated by political leaders and amplified through social media, play a significant role in inciting violence. The rhetoric used by BJP leaders frequently vilifies minority communities, creating an environment where mob justice is normalized. This toxic discourse, coupled with the spread of misinformation, fuels communal hatred and encourages acts of violence. Legal and institutional failures, including inadequate law enforcement responses and judicial delays, further embolden perpetrators. The absence of timely and effective justice creates a culture of impunity that allows mob lynching to thrive. The collusion of certain elements within the bureaucracy and judiciary with right-wing groups exacerbates this issue, undermining the rule of law and fostering an environment where violence is tolerated.
Societal polarization, fueled by economic and social disparities, exacerbates communal tensions. The BJP’s divisive policies and rhetoric contribute to deepening divides, making minority communities more vulnerable to violence. The government’s focus on majoritarian politics has marginalized minority voices and created a climate of fear and suspicion, where communal harmony is increasingly under threat.
Impacts on Minority Communities and Societal Harmony
The impact of mob lynching on minority communities is profound. Victims and their families suffer immense psychological and social trauma, and the broader implications for communal harmony are dire. Nationally, these incidents tarnish India’s international reputation, affecting diplomatic relations and economic prospects. The nation’s social fabric is at risk, with trust between communities eroding rapidly. The government’s failure to address this issue adequately undermines its commitment to justice and equality for all citizens.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, the leading Muslim body, expressed great concern over the rise in communal violence and lynching incidents. They demanded special laws to tackle this menace as it is spiraling out of control in BJP-dominated regions. Their call for stronger legal measures reflects the urgent need for a concerted effort to address this growing crisis. They called for strict implementation of the clause within the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, which prescribes severe punishment for mob lynching, ranging from life imprisonment to death. They also sought a statement from the Home Minister regarding these incidents. The government’s reluctance to implement these laws effectively highlights a lack of political will to combat mob violence.
Interestingly, before the Lok Sabha election, Amit Shah had promised immediate action in lynching cases during a meeting with a Muslim delegation. However, these promises remain unfulfilled, contributing to the growing mistrust and fear among minority communities. The BJP government’s failure to deliver on its commitments reflects a broader pattern of neglect and apathy towards the plight of minority communities.
In conclusion, the rise in mob lynching incidents following the BJP’s 2024 victory is a stark reminder of the deepening divisions within Indian society. This surge in violence demands immediate and comprehensive solutions. It is imperative for policymakers, civil society, and citizens to come together to address the root causes of this brutality and work towards a more inclusive and just society. Only through collective efforts can India hope to restore communal harmony and ensure justice for all its citizens. The BJP government must take decisive action to curb this alarming trend and fulfill its duty to protect all citizens, irrespective of their religious or ethnic background.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the South Asia Times.
