Rising Tide of Mob Violence in India: The Tragic Death of Azgar Molla

Kolkata has witnessed another tragic incident of mob violence as Azgar Molla, a Muslim man from Phulbari, fell victim to a fatal assault by Hindutva extremists. Falsely accused of theft, Molla was brutally beaten and left critically injured just 500 meters from the local police station. His family, devastated by the incident, lamented the lack of intervention that could have saved his life.

This incident adds to a disturbing trend of anti-Muslim violence that has intensified across northern and eastern India under the Narendra Modi government. Since Modi’s rise to power, there has been a noticeable increase in mob violence, particularly targeting Muslims. Molla’s death marks the 13th lynching incident since June 4, with cases reported in Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Jharkhand. Among these victims were nine Muslim men, a Christian woman, and three individuals from backward Hindu communities.

In Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, mobs associated with Hindu right-wing groups have targeted Muslim men in their 20s and 30s, subjecting them to brutal attacks. A Christian woman also fell victim to similar violence in Chhattisgarh. This surge in mob violence reflects a broader pattern of intolerance and aggression fueled by extremist ideologies.

West Bengal alone has witnessed over 15 incidents of mob violence in the past two weeks, resulting in severe injuries and five deaths. Many families of the victims have contested the allegations, stating they were based on rumours and false accusations. The victims, predominantly Muslims and individuals from economically and socially marginalized backgrounds face the brunt of these tragic events.

The lack of timely intervention by authorities has exacerbated the situation, leaving families of the victims in despair. The rise in mob violence underlines the urgent need for the government to address the underlying causes of this hatred and take decisive action to protect vulnerable communities.

To conclude, the tragic death of Azgar Molla is a stark reminder of the escalating violence against Muslims and other marginalized groups in India. The increase in lynching incidents highlights the pressing need for systemic changes to ensure justice and safety for all citizens. It is imperative that the government and civil society work together to combat this rising tide of hatred and violence, promoting harmony and understanding across communities.