Mob Rule, and Migrants, in a Newly Uneasy India
Mob lynching in India, most especially against internal migrant workers, has become a social horror of the past decade. Between states, migrant worker hate crime and persecution is on the rise, fueled by misinformation, political talking points and identity politics.
Despite a constitutional guarantee of freedom of movement and equality before the law, millions of migrant workers’ lived experience suggests otherwise. As it rattles me and millions like me, is the sound of success for a section of people addicted to collective violence, and a tell-tale failure – not just of law-and-order management but also governance and social cohesiveness.
This article looks at why hate crimes against migrants are increasing, how mob rule takes root, what the data says and what needs to be done if India is not going to sink deeper into vigilantism.
Understanding mobocracy in India
Mob rule is a form of vigilantism that occurs when the majority in a community controls the power to make policies. Gangs of vigilantes strike communities that are perceived as outsiders.
Why Migrants Become Easy Targets
There are a lot of concerns that make migrants particularly vulnerable:
- Lack of local political representation
- Language and cultural differences
- Informal employment without legal protection
- Dependence on daily wages
- Absence of strong community networks
As a result, mobs take advantage of this weakness, aware that victims are often too scared to go to the police or courts.
Internal Migration in India: Scale and Reality
India is home to hundreds of millions of internal migrants.
Key Migration Statistics
Indicator | Data
Internal migrants | Over 450 million
Share of population | Around 37 percent
Major migrant-sending states | Bihar, UP, Jharkhand and Odisha
Top three migrant-receiving states | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi and Tamil Nadu
Informal employment | Over 90 per cent of migrant workers
Source: Census of India, Economic Survey and International Labour Organization
Outbound reference: https://www.ilo.org
Migration drives India’s cities, industries and infrastructure. But migrants frequently are accused of taking jobs away, committing crimes or upsetting traditional ways of life.
Increasing Incidents of Hate Crime on Migrants – Patterns & Reasons
Economic Anxiety and Job Competition
Migrants are cast as job thieves in times of economic downturn. This fear is usually gamed in political narratives, especially around elections.
Identity Politics and Regionalism
Identity movements promote the principle that local people should take precedence over migrants. This has led to:
- Forced eviction of migrant vendors
- Language-based harassment
- Violence against North Indian labourers in western and southern states
Misinformation and Social Media
Fake videos and rumors swiftly spread, setting off mob attacks within hours. Viral clips and messages that do the rounds on WhatsApp typically depict migrants as lawbreakers or squatters.
Outbound reference: https://www.bbc.com
Case Profiles Marking Mobs’ Goals On Migrants
Numerous events illustrate how mobs function:
- Suspected migrant workers beaten to death on theft accusations
- Street traders lashed for suspected rule breach
- Workers attacked for speaking another language
Arrests are often delayed, or symbolic, further emboldening the mobs.
Pandemic-Era Hostility
During COVID-19, migrants were stigmatized as carriers of disease. Forced marches, public corporal punishment and police brutality compounded the misery.
Outbound reference: https://www.hrw.org
A Deluge of Lawlessness and Impunity
There are Supreme Court guidelines against mob lynching but little enforcement.
Key issues include:
- FIRs not registered promptly
- Victims pressured to withdraw complaints
- Mobs depicted as spontaneous gatherings rather than criminal conspiracies
India does not have a comprehensive national law against mob violence. States depend on general crime laws, which blur the lines of criminality.
Outbound reference: https://www.scobserver.in
Mob Rule and The Normalisation of Political Incitement
Political speeches and media debates frequently legitimate hostility towards migrants.
How Political Narratives Influence Violence
- “Sons of the soil” arguments exclude migrants
- Silence after attacks signals approval
- Selective outrage reinforces impunity
When leaders do not explicitly condemn mob violence, they help those who carry it out.
Media as Amplifier and Watchdog
Some press reports uncover mob crimes; others sensationalise migrant identities to affirm stereotypes.
Positive media interventions include:
- Fact-checking viral rumours
- Humanising migrant stories
- Holding authorities accountable
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Affect of Hate Crimes on Society and Economy
Psychological Trauma
Victims experience:
- Chronic fear and anxiety
- Loss of dignity
- Distrust in institutions
Economic Consequences
- Reduced productivity
- Labour shortages in cities
- Disrupted supply chains
Curiously, attacks on migrants damage the local economies that depend on their work.
Comparing India and the World
Country | Migrant Protection Laws | Hate Crime Monitoring
India | Fragmented | Limited
UK | Dedicated hate crime laws | Strong
Germany | Federal protections | Centralised
Canada | Anti-discrimination focus | Proactive
Outbound reference: https://www.un.org
India falls short of comparable democracies in terms of institutional safeguards.
Civil Society and Judicial Interventions
The apex court has directed:
- Fast-track courts for lynching cases
- Victim compensation
- Police accountability
However, compliance remains inconsistent.
Civil society organisations provide:
- Legal aid
- Emergency relief
- Documentation of hate crimes
Outbound reference: https://www.amnesty.org
What Has to Change: Policy and Society Measures
Legal Reforms
- Enact a national anti-mob violence law
- Define hate crimes clearly
- Ensure time-bound investigations
Policing Reforms
- Community policing in migrant areas
- Early warning systems for mob mobilisation
- Strict action against negligent officers
Social Interventions
- Public awareness campaigns
- School-level education on constitutional values
- Responsible political communication
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are India’s migrants increasingly becoming the targets of mobs?
They are blamed for taking jobs, political scapegoating, and cultural exclusion—making them easy targets during times of tension.
Is mob violence against migrants increasing overall?
Yes. Reports show a surge in hate crimes driven by fake news and identity politics.
Is there a specific law against mob lynching in India?
No. India uses general criminal laws, though some states have proposed special legislation.
What are the economic effects of mob violence?
It disrupts labour markets, reduces productivity, and undermines India’s reputation as a stable investment destination.
Where can I read unbiased reporting on migrant issues in India?
Independent platforms like thenews.zone provide continuous coverage and analysis on social justice and migrant rights.
Conclusion: Restoring the Rule of Law to the Mob
The rise of mob rule against migrants in India is not just a law-and-order challenge—it’s a moral crisis that endangers constitutional values, economic stability, and social unity. Migrants construct India’s cities, drive its industries, and fuel its growth. Treating them as outsiders undermines the nation itself.
Ending hate crimes demands political courage, legal reforms, and shared responsibility. Silence is no longer an option.
If India is to remain a democracy governed by law and not mobs, protecting migrants is an obligation.
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