A Life Brutally Extinguished: Dalit Man Lynched in Bihar Over Theft Allegation

The news coming out of Simri village in Bihar’s Bhojpur district is simply heart-wrenching, a stark reminder of the chilling reality of mob violence. It tells the tragic tale of Raju Manjhi, a 55-year-old Dalit man whose life was brutally cut short, all stemming from an unverified accusation of stealing a mobile phone. The sheer cruelty of the incident leaves one absolutely stunned.

It was Sunday when the horrifying ordeal began. Manjhi was reportedly cornered by a mob, accused of a petty theft. What followed wasn't an investigation or due process, but a savage act of vigilante "justice." Imagine the terror: his ear, a part of his very being, was reportedly severed with pliers. His hand, too, was broken, among other grievous injuries inflicted by his tormentors. His family, helpless and utterly terrified, witnessed parts of this barbarity. They tried to intervene, to reason, to save their loved one, but were met with threats, forced to stand by as he suffered unimaginable pain.

For an entire day, Raju Manjhi clung to life, enduring the agonizing aftermath of the assault. But alas, his body, so grievously wounded, could not fight any longer. He succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning, leaving behind a family shattered by grief and injustice. His relatives, through their tears, have repeatedly stated that Raju was not only innocent but also suffered from mental health issues, making him an even more vulnerable target in such a volatile situation.

Initially, what's even more distressing, is the apparent delay in official response. For a time, no First Information Report (FIR) was registered, despite the gravity of the crime. This, naturally, sparked outrage and questions from local leaders, including RJD MLA Vijay Prakash, who rightly demanded accountability. Eventually, perhaps under pressure, the police did act, registering an FIR under several serious sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder (Section 302), wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons, and criminal intimidation. Crucially, provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were also invoked, highlighting the potential caste-based angle to this horrendous crime.

As of now, the wheels of justice are slowly, perhaps too slowly, turning. Police officials, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Rahul Singh, confirmed that three individuals – Dhanji Rai, Videshi Rai, and Ramayan Rai – have been apprehended in connection with the lynching. However, it's believed that more culprits are involved and remain at large, a sobering thought. The investigation, we are told, is very much ongoing, with efforts underway to identify and arrest the remaining members of the mob.

This isn't just a story about a theft gone wrong; it’s a chilling narrative about the erosion of empathy, the dangers of mob mentality, and the tragic consequences when due process is abandoned for brute force. Raju Manjhi's death is a profound loss, a searing indictment of a society where such brutal acts can still occur. One can only hope that swift and comprehensive justice is delivered, not just for Raju and his grieving family, but as a clear message that such savagery will not be tolerated.