Is Mob Lynching a Contemporary Social Problem in India?

Abstract

Abstract: The cases of mob lynching against the vulnerable groups are the matter of grave concern in contemporary Indian Society which is the worst form of crime against humanity. Today, people belong to vulnerable groups such as minorities and Dalits are seriously attacked and assaulted to death by a mob of people of a particular community. These cases of mob lynching definitely affect the way of life and sense of well-being of minorities and Dalits to a large extent causing a fracture in their social and personal status in society which they have got as a human being. The objectives of the study are to understand the nature of mob lynching in the socio-cultural context of India and to examine the linkage between social media and mob lynching. The present study employs content analysis for the study of mob lynching. The data have been collected from lynching affected regions of the country through various Newspapers (Hindustan Times, The Hindu, The Indian Express and The Times of India etc., Delhi Edition) and monthly magazines (India Today and Economic Political Weekly etc.). The cases of mob lynching have been collected from March, 2013 to September, 2019. The study has found that the cases of lynching are committed against minorities and Dalits due to suspicion of beef consuming, cow slaughtering, skinning of dead cows child lifting, and theft. The study also indicates that most of cases of mob lynching are committed due to fake news, rumors and hate speeches which are circulated on social media platforms.