India's Dark Side: Mob Violence and Online Censorship Raise Concerns

India, the world's largest democracy, is grappling with two separate incidents that have raised concerns about the country's commitment to human rights and free speech. In a shocking incident, a mother and her infant were burnt to death in a village in the eastern state of Jharkhand over allegations of witchcraft. Meanwhile, a UK doctor is facing a police case in India over a Facebook post, sparking fears of online censorship.

Mob Violence in Jharkhand

The incident in Jharkhand is a grim reminder of the dangers of mob violence and superstition in rural India. According to eyewitnesses, a mob stormed the woman's home after rumors spread that she was practicing witchcraft. The woman and her infant were dragged out of their home and set on fire, resulting in their deaths. The police have arrested several people in connection with the incident, but the case has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation.

The incident is not an isolated one. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were 2,097 cases of mob violence reported in India in 2020, resulting in 281 deaths. Many of these incidents are fueled by superstition, misinformation, and a lack of education. The government has been criticized for not doing enough to address the issue, with many arguing that the laws in place are inadequate to deal with the problem.

Online Censorship in India

The case of the UK doctor, Sangram Patil, has raised concerns about online censorship in India. Patil, who was on a medical elective in India, was accused of posting "objectionable content" about a top Indian leader on Facebook. He denies the allegation, but the police have filed a case against him under the Information Technology Act, which makes it a crime to post content that is "grossly offensive" or "menacing".

Patil's case is not an isolated one. In recent years, there have been several instances of people being arrested or detained in India for posting content online that is deemed "objectionable" by the authorities. The government has been criticized for using the Information Technology Act to stifle free speech and silence dissenting voices.

The case has also raised concerns about the treatment of foreigners in India. Patil's family has alleged that he was detained by the police without being given access to a lawyer or consular assistance. The UK government has expressed concern about the case and is seeking an explanation from the Indian authorities.

A Pattern of Intolerance?

The two incidents have sparked concerns about a pattern of intolerance in India. The country has a long tradition of tolerance and diversity, but in recent years, there have been several incidents of mob violence, online censorship, and restrictions on free speech. The government has been criticized for not doing enough to address these issues, with many arguing that the laws in place are inadequate to deal with the problem.

The Indian government has promised to take action to address the issue of mob violence and online censorship. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to protect human rights and free speech in the country. As India continues to grow and develop, it is essential that the government prioritizes these values and ensures that its citizens are protected from violence and intimidation.

In the words of a prominent Indian activist, "India's democracy is at a crossroads. We need to decide whether we want to be a country that values human rights and free speech, or one that tolerates violence and intolerance." The two incidents in Jharkhand and the case of the UK doctor are a wake-up call for the Indian government to take action and ensure that the country remains a beacon of democracy and freedom.