A wave of shock and outrage swept through India as news emerged of a brutal lynching in Haryana. Sabir Malik, a 26-year-old migrant worker from West Bengal, was brutally beaten to death by a group of men who suspected he had consumed beef. The incident, which occurred in the Charkhi Dadri district, has once again brought to light the dangers of vigilante justice and the growing intolerance towards minorities in the country.
According to the Haryana police, at least seven individuals associated with a cow vigilante group have been apprehended for the lynching. The accused, under the pretext of selling empty plastic bottles, lured Malik to a shop. They then launched a violent assault upon him. A few witnesses intervened, attempting to stop the attack, but the assailants dragged Malik to another location, where they continued the brutal assault, ultimately leading to his demise.
The tragic incident in Haryana echoed a similar event that took place in Maharashtra. An elderly man, Haji Ashraf Munyar, was allegedly assaulted by his fellow passengers on an express train near Igatpuri in the Nashik district. The assault, suspected to have stemmed from the passengers’ belief that Munyar was carrying beef, was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media. The Government Railway Police (GRP) has launched an investigation into the incident.
The incidents have sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted the dangers of mob violence fueled by suspicion and prejudice. Haryana’s Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, condemned the lynching, stating that such incidents must be stopped. He promised swift action against those responsible.
In Maharashtra, Jitendra Awhad, a leader from Sharad Pawar’s NCP camp, expressed his outrage at the incident, criticizing the law and order situation in the state. Awhad questioned the motives behind the attack, stating that it was not representative of Maharashtra’s culture and questioned how such violence could be tolerated. He emphasized that a majority of people in Maharashtra are non-vegetarians, highlighting the absurdity of the assault based on suspicion alone. He questioned the attackers’ sense of shame, pointing out that they had assaulted a man who could have been their father’s age.
These disturbing events serve as a stark reminder of the need for tolerance, understanding, and the rule of law. The authorities must act decisively against individuals and groups who engage in violence and intimidation, ensuring that such incidents do not become the norm in our society.
