The recent killing of a farmworker in Rajasthan on communal lines has once again shone the spotlight on intolerant elements in India, who seem to get away with murder because not enough is being done to deter them.
In the latest case, a video was uploaded on social media showing a man thrashing a farm labourer from West Bengal, pouring kerosene on his body and then burning him alive. Another video has also been made in which the accused is seen justifying his act, claiming that it was an endeavour to save a girl from falling in love with and being indoctrinated by this man who belonged to another religion.
In India, falling in love with a person of another caste or religion is still not widely accepted by society. The consequences can range from a sound thrashing, being ostracised by family and society and in some cases even death.
But the recent increase in the number of cases of Muslim men being beaten up and sometimes killed for falling in love with Hindu women is a cause for concern. Right-wing elements have become emboldened in recent years to take the law into their hands when it comes to moral policing. They have been helped a great deal by an administration that prefers to remain quiet or act as if nothing is wrong. This has vitiated the atmosphere. In fact, there have also been cases where people have used the excuse of ‘love jihad’ to settle scores.
What is needed at the moment is a firm administrative hand to put an end to such cases, sending the message that incidents like this will not be tolerated. Right-wing elements that disturb peace have no place in a secular country like India.
