A man in Raebareli district of Uttar Pradesh, named Hariom Valmiki (aged 38) was mistook as a thief and beaten to death. He was lynched by villagers in the Unchahar area of Raebareli. His body was found left near a railway track close to Ishwardaspur Halt. Hariom was travelling to his in-law’s village late at night. He was stopped by locals, accusing him of involved in “drone gang” that uses drones for thefts. People believed him to be suspicious and his pleas were ignored. Eventually several reports claiming that he was beaten with sticks and belts being tied to a pole. His body was spotted next morning and police was informed. The incident has reminded how power and politics cannot assure protection of lives when mob violence takes over. The incident happened at around 1 AM on 2nd of October in DandepurJamunapur area of Unchahar in Raebareli.
What the reports and facts tell us so far-
- Initially, five persons were arrested and later, four more people were arrested. Taking the number of accused to nine.
- The police statement says that Hariom was mistaken for a thief and that the villagers believed rumors about a gang being operational in the area using drones for kidnapping and burglaries.
- There is also a video being circulated over social media, showing Hariom being beaten and being asked the names of alleged accomplices. He was also heard trying to say the name of Rahul Gandhi while one of those beating him says “Ye sab baba wale admi Hain”.
- The police have said that the case was not primarily a cast-based. They said the attackers belonged to “various communities” and that mistaken identity was the reason and not the victim’s cast.
- The authorities said that strict actions would be taken based on National Security Act (NSA) and the Uttar Pradesh Gangster and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act against those found guilty.
Why the case has grabbed the national attention?
The case being much more than just a political issue is also about loss of a person’s life raising concerns about security and dignity of individuals. Harim Valmiki, just like any ordinary person had his personal life and family. Physical injuries were visible with bruises, belt marks and brokenness. Video of the incident went viral over the social media platforms grabbing attention of a vast portion of population to the incident. People have questioned the existence of right to live with a dignity and without any social discrimination. In a democracy with laws and police, a case of person being beaten to death just based on false suspicion questions the law and order in the country. People’s mindset is the bigger concern here, that makes them think of their such acts being reasonable and right. Arguments among citizens about it being whether a cast-based case or not and further involvement of any political role, are the main points of talks about the incident. While Hariom has lost his life but justice yet remains undelivered.
What is the larger picture?
This incident of mob lynching is not an isolated act but a truth revealing ideology of society, reflecting the deficiency of social trust and law enforcement. It also tells how the fear of gangs, drone-thieves and outsiders triggered the violence. Rumors can quickly lead to mob violence.
The case shows the vulnerability of marginalized communities. Dalits, poor and mentally challenged persons often face social disadvantages. They are the ones, targeted when a feeling of suspicion arises. Hariom, as reported by Police was “specially challenged” and could not clearly respond which made him even more vulnerable.
The police in the area are accused of negligence and most apparently intervention by the police failed. Some officers also have been suspended.
Post incident: Reaction and needed Reforms-
The Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Brajesh Pathak, described the incident as “very tragic” and “deeply disturbing”. He criticized the act strongly and promised that strict action will be taken against the culprits.
To ensure any such incident does not take place in future, legal action and social empathy needs to be delivered. A transparent investigation needs to be undertaken while taking the accountability. Not only the immediate accused but all failures also need to be assessed.
There are laws against mob violence, murder and hate crimes. But their enforcement is very weak. Strong deterrents must be enforced to avoid such acts. There should be protocols to avoid people gatherings at night like – Night curfews and training of night vigilantes. Further such incidents shouldn’t be used by Political leaders for their advantage and rather focus on reducing the social inequality and condemning such acts. Even if justice is served, those found responsible are punished, police failures are remedied and families are supported- it won’t be sufficient to compensate the loss of a life.
