The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has published a concerning report detailing a surge in violence and civil rights abuses following the recent election results.
The report documents eight lynchings, six cases of mob violence, and three incidents of unlawful demolitions since the announcement of the poll outcomes.
Lynchings
The report highlights that eight lynchings occurred across various states, with the victims predominantly belonging to minority communities. Many of these incidents involved accusations of cow slaughter or activities deemed unacceptable by extremist factions. APCR has called for immediate judicial action and enhanced protection for the targeted communities.
Mob Violence
There have been six documented instances of mob violence, where large groups attacked individuals or communities based on rumors or unverified claims. These assaults resulted in severe injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. The APCR underscores the role of social media in disseminating false information, which has fueled these violent outbursts.
Demolition Incidents
The report also reveals that several homes belonging to Muslims were demolished in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, under the guise of enforcing laws against cow meat possession. However, police claimed the demolitions were due to the houses being constructed on government land.
In Madhya Pradesh, authorities demolished the homes of four Muslim men in Jawra, Ratlam district, shortly after detaining them for allegedly throwing bovine remains at a temple. This action took place even as the Madhya Pradesh High Court was hearing a petition against the impending demolition.
Backdated demolition notices were issued on June 16 around 12:30 PM, and demolitions commenced shortly thereafter. Although the court issued a stay order at approximately 2:30 PM, the houses had already been demolished between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM.
Additionally, a large-scale demolition occurred in the Akbarnagar locality of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh’s capital city.