Maharashtra : The brutal mob lynching of three people on the suspicion of being thieves once again highlights the breakdown of social fabric and rule of law in the country, where reason and tolerance has given way to conspiratorial mindset and prejudice and the trust on authorities has given way to vigilantism and lawlessness.

At a time when we should stand in solidarity with fellow human beings, the effort to communalise this incident by some people is equally shameful. Stringent actions should be taken against those who spread rumours and incite hate.

The state should take steps to restore mutual trust among people as well as authorities. Besides taking action against culprits, the families of the victims need to be compensated.

Salman Ahmad
Zonal President
Students Islamic Organisation of India (Maharashtra South)