A Dalit man in Bihar’s Gaya district lost his life after protesting a minor bicycle collision, highlighting once again the growing menace of mob lynching and violence against Dalits in the state.
The incident took place on Thursday afternoon in Gahar Pur village under the Tikari police station area. The victim, identified as 55-year-old Madhesh Paswan from the Dalit community, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob following an argument over a bicycle accident.
According to the police, Paswan was in the village when a cyclist collided with him. When he objected to the collision, the dispute escalated. Soon, a group of around 20 to 25 people gathered in support of the cyclist and launched a brutal attack on Paswan, assaulting him with sticks and iron rods.
Paswan sustained critical injuries and collapsed unconscious at the spot. His family members rushed him to the Tikari sub-divisional hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The incident sparked widespread anger among the victim’s family and local residents. Paswan’s son, Suraj Paswan, alleged that his father was killed merely for protesting the bicycle collision. Enraged villagers blocked the road near the Tikari sub-divisional hospital for nearly one and a half hours, demanding the immediate arrest of those involved. In view of the tense situation, the police deployed additional forces in the area.
The daylight killing has created an atmosphere of fear in Gahar Pur village and nearby areas. Locals said that the tendency of mobs to turn violent over trivial issues and take the law into their own hands is becoming increasingly alarming. The incident clearly falls under the category of mob lynching, they added.
Tikari police have registered an FIR for murder in the case. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sushant Kumar Chanchal said several accused have been identified, and some have been taken into custody for questioning. He confirmed that the death occurred due to the assault and assured that all those involved would be arrested soon.
The victim’s family remains in deep shock and has demanded justice. They have urged the administration to take the strictest possible action against the culprits to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
