WILD WILD BENGAL

Social media and local strongmen worsen the trauma of mob lynching

- NILADRY SARKAR

NAJIR HOSAIN, a migrant worker, had returned to his home in Barrackpore in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district for the Eid holidays last month. As always, he was supposed to fleetingly enjoy the comforts of home and family before leaving again in search of livelihood. This time, however, joy turned into trauma.

Multiple mob attacks, leading to at least eight deaths, have come to the fore from across West Bengal in June and July. Social media has been abuzz with unsubstantiated stories about child abduction, theft and extra-marital affairs.

The prevalent mob mentality in the state grows from its inherent spirit of collective action. Incidents such as beating women during witch-hunts or subjecting individuals to violence based on suspicion of theft-tying them to trees or light posts-have been disturbingly common. The massacre of 17 Ananda Margis, members of the socio-spiritual organisation, in Kolkata's Ballygunge in April 1982 continues to haunt the state.

The advent of social media and the rise of local strongmen in politics have made the situation worse in recent times. Misinformation now spreads like wildfire and instant justice is a means to wield influence.

In January, three sadhus heading to Gangasagar Mela were subjected to mob assault on suspicion of being kidnappers. As per the police in Purulia, language barrier caused a misunderstanding when they asked something to three minor girls. The girls reportedly screamed and ran away, prompting locals to manhandle the sadhus.

Najir, too, got caught in the cross-hairs of a mob. "On my way home on June 21, some children came crashing at me," he said. "I picked up one of them and before I could understand what was going on I was hit on the back of my head." He had been perceived as a child thief by some youth.