Abuse, Mob Fury and Death: Disturbing Incidents Raise Alarms About India’s Social Direction

A series of recent incidents—from the brutal killing of a young student in Dehradun to the harassment of foreign tourists in Varanasi and communal tension over a birthday party in Bareilly—have sparked serious concern about growing intolerance, hostility and social unrest in the country. Together, these cases paint a troubling picture of how prejudice, mob behaviour and shrinking civic sensitivity are increasingly shaping public spaces.

A Life Lost for Protesting Racial Abuse

The murder of 24-year-old MBA student Angel Chakma from Tripura in Dehradun has shocked the nation. His only “fault” was objecting to racial slurs directed at him and his younger brother. According to the family, Angel was attacked with knives and iron knuckles, sustaining fatal injuries to his neck and back. He battled for life for 17 days before succumbing to his injuries at a Dehradun hospital.

Angel’s father, Tarun Chakma, who serves in the Border Security Force (BSF), said the family was shattered by the loss. He alleged that the FIR was lodged two to three days after the incident, raising questions about prompt police action. “My son had just secured a job. He stood up against racist remarks and paid with his life,” he said, demanding justice.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured strict action. Five accused have been arrested, while one remains absconding. The case has reignited debate on racism faced by people from the Northeast and the urgent need for stronger deterrence against hate crimes.

Japanese Tourists Harassed in Varanasi

In another incident that has drawn widespread criticism, a group of Japanese tourists visiting Varanasi were allegedly harassed at the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat. A video of the incident went viral on social media, showing locals accusing the tourists of polluting the Ganga and verbally abusing them. Despite the tourists folding their hands and apologising, the heckling reportedly continued.

Police later stated that the tourists were only objected to for bathing in the river and that no physical assault took place. However, the visuals have embarrassed the city internationally and raised concerns about the safety and dignity of foreign visitors in one of India’s most important cultural and spiritual destinations.

Communal Tension Over a Birthday Party in Bareilly

In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, two Muslim youths were booked on charges of disturbing peace after they attended the birthday party of a Hindu friend at a café. The incident reportedly led to a commotion, following which police imposed fines on the two youths and a café staff member.

According to police, investigations found no wrongdoing related to communal provocation. The party had been organised by a nursing student for friends. Still, the case highlighted how even routine social interactions can quickly be viewed through a communal lens, triggering unnecessary tension.

A Larger Question for Society

These incidents—spanning murder, public harassment and social policing—underscore a worrying trend of intolerance based on identity, appearance, religion or nationality. While India aspires to project itself as a modern, inclusive and global power, such episodes raise uncomfortable questions about ground realities.

Experts and civil society voices stress that awareness alone is not enough. Strong and swift legal action, coupled with social education and zero tolerance for hate and mob behaviour, is essential. Every Indian, regardless of region, language, faith or appearance, deserves dignity, safety and equal respect.

The direction a society takes is reflected not in slogans of progress, but in how it treats its most vulnerable—and in moments like these, the warning signs are hard to ignore.

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