What is palghar lynching?

On April 16, 2020, in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, India, three Hindu sadhus (monks) were lynched by a mob of villagers. The victims were identified as Chikne Maharaj Kalpavrukshagiri, Sushil Giri Maharaj, and their driver, Nilesh Telgade.

The incident occurred amidst the COVID-19 lockdown when the sadhus were traveling from Mumbai to Surat to attend a funeral. Their vehicle was stopped by villagers in Gadchinchale village, suspecting them to be child kidnappers or thieves due to rumors circulating in the area.

The mob attacked the sadhus with sticks and other objects, resulting in their deaths. The incident sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across the country.

Several investigations were launched into the incident, including one by the Maharashtra state government and another by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Over 200 people were arrested in connection with the lynching. The investigations revealed lapses in police response and administration.

The incident led to political controversies, with various parties accusing each other of inciting or failing to prevent the violence. The Palghar%20lynching raised concerns about mob violence, misinformation, and the safety of religious minorities in India.