In the past month, West Bengal has witnessed a surge in mob lynching and public violence, resulting in the deaths of several innocent people and injuries to many others. These incidents, fueled by rising anger and frustration, highlight a deeper societal issue. Experts attribute this rising violence to a lack of trust in the justice system and widespread mental health issues.
Ranjit Sur from the Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) points to severe unemployment and widespread frustration as root causes. Victims were often attacked over baseless suspicions, including petty theft and extramarital affairs. In North 24 Parganas alone, there were five mob violence cases linked to child theft suspicions. Shockingly, local leaders and ruling party workers were sometimes involved.
One of the first victims this month was Irshad Alam, beaten to death in Kolkata’s Udayan Government Hostel. Despite no evidence against him, Alam was accused of theft and brutally assaulted. His sister, Madina Begum, laments the ruined futures of both victims and perpetrators, who were young students.
Experts, like Dr. Sudip Kumar Som, suggest that mistrust in the system and mob mentality contribute to such violence. The anonymous nature of mobs emboldens individuals. Swantana Adhikari from Child In Need Institute (CINI) notes that people’s impatience and prior experiences of powerlessness fuel their participation in mob violence. She also emphasizes the link between mental health issues and violent behavior.
The National Mental Health Survey by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reveals that three out of four people suffer from mental health disorders, yet conversations around this issue remain limited. Questions have also been raised about the efficacy of the police in handling these situations. Mr. Sur criticizes the delays and hassles in filing FIRs, further pushing the public towards street justice.
For those affected by these issues or needing mental health support, the CINI helpline offers assistance at 1800 121 2323.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/rising-mob-lynching-incidents-in-west-bengal-symptom-of-a-bigger-social-issue/article68396632.ece
Category : West Bengal
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