New Delhi: In a disturbing episode of mob violence in West Bengal, a man named Sourav Shaw succumbed to his injuries after being beaten by a mob on suspicion of theft. The attack occurred on June 22 in Jamboni, Jhargram district. Sourav and his friend, who remains in critical condition, were returning from a ride on his mothers scooter when they were targeted by the mob, allegedly due to suspicions of theft from a parked car near a construction site. Despite police intervention and their subsequent hospitalisation, Sourav died after nine days of treatment.The police received a complaint six days after the incident and have arrested two individuals, Mahendra Mittal and Dactar Soren, in connection with the attack. Jhargram SP Arijit Sinha confirmed the arrests and ongoing investigations to India Today.Political Reactions and Broader ContextThis incident follows a similar mob attack in North Dinajpur, where a couple was beaten, and the video of the assault went viral, igniting a political firestorm. Union Minister and BJP chief JP Nadda criticised the Mamata Banerjee government, stating, A horrific video has come to light from West Bengal, reminding of the brutalities that exist only in theocracies. To make matters worse, the TMC cadre and MLAs are justifying the act.Nadda further commented on social media, Be it Sandeshkhali, Uttar Dinajpur, or many other places, Didis West Bengal is UNSAFE for women.In the past week, West Bengal has witnessed a surge in mob violence, with at least 12 incidents reported, some resulting in fatalities.Hooghly IncidentOn June 30, Ashish Baul Das was beaten to death in Hooghly after a minor bike accident escalated into violence. Eyewitnesses reported that Ashishs bike hit a vehicle belonging to a drunken man, leading to a physical altercation. Despite being rescued and taken to the hospital, Ashish died, and two individuals have been arrested.Kolkata ViolenceIn Kolkatas Salt Lake area on June 29, Prasenjit Mondal was beaten to death on suspicion of mobile theft. Three people, including a Bangladeshi national, have been arrested. Additionally, on June 28, a TV mechanic was killed by a group of students in Bowbazar on similar theft suspicions. Fourteen students have been arrested in connection with this incident.Other IncidentsIn North Dinajpur, a couple was assaulted by local Trinamool Congress leader Tajmul Haque on June 28. The viral video of the attack led to Haques arrest. Meanwhile, in Coochbehar, BJPs Suvendu Adhikari alleged that a BJP minority Morcha worker was dragged and beaten by ruling party goons, though police attribute the incident to a family grudge, with three women arrested.Over the past eight days, North 24 Parganas has seen six incidents of mob violence due to rumours of child lifting. Victims were attacked in various areas, and during one rescue, a police vehicle was vandalized by the mob.
