A case of mob lynching has been reported in Alwar, Rajasthan, where a young man was allegedly beaten to death while two others sustained injuries. The incident transpired on suspicions of illegal wood chopping. Law enforcement has apprehended over 10 individuals, including some from the forest department.
The tragic event unfolded in Alwar's Bansur block on Thursday night. The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Wasim, while the injured are Asif and Azahruddin.
Reports indicate that Wasim was driving a pickup jeep accompanied by his cousin, Asif, and friend, Azharuddin. Their vehicle was intercepted by a crowd near Narol village, which allegedly attacked them on the belief that they were engaged in unauthorized tree-cutting in the area.
It is alleged that one of the forest officers, who was chasing Wasim's jeep, informed the villagers. Wasim's relatives claim that he had gone to cut trees outside a house with the landlord's consent.
Additional SP Jagram Meena stated that the police received information about the mob lynching in Narol village and promptly reached the scene. However, the perpetrators had fled. The injured individuals were transported to a hospital, where one of them succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
Ranjeeta Sharma, the SP of the newly formed Kotputli-Behror district, explained, "We were informed that some youths had gone to the forest for wood-cutting. The forest officers on night duty were trailing them in a vehicle. Villagers acquainted with the forest officer contacted him and asked him to halt the youth's vehicle. During this confrontation, a scuffle ensued, resulting in the death of an injured youth during treatment… An FIR has been lodged, and approximately 10 individuals are under custody as we conduct interrogations."
Reacting to the incident, Rajasthan's Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, termed it as unfortunate and affirmed the government's commitment to delivering justice for the victims. Similarly, Rajasthan Minister Pratap Khachariyawas assured that action would be taken against the accused forest officials, emphasizing that no one would be spared. He added, "The state government will extend all possible assistance to the victim's family."
Conversely, Union Minister Kailash Choudhary criticized the state government for the deteriorating law and order situation. Choudhary expressed his concern, stating, "The law and order situation in Rajasthan has worsened. CM Ashok Gehlot's administration has utterly failed... I have never witnessed such a dysfunctional government in the state. Perpetrators of crimes are roaming freely."
