The Udaipur incident is another reminder that timely action can prevent a situation from unravelling

The gruesome murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, is a reminder to all, especially the political class, that there is a lot that is rotten in the statecraft and politics of India. The killers, Gos Mohammad and Riyaz Akhtari, not only slaughtered Lal in his shop but also shot a video of their misdeed. They cut his throat with a cleaver and, according to the police, wanted to behead him but couldn’t. In another video, the murderers not only gloated over the killing but also threatened to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Meanwhile, in Udaipur, after a few violent incidents, curfew has been imposed; in entire Rajasthan, large gatherings have been disallowed for a month; mobile internet services have been shut down for 24 hours across the State. The authorities are alert now, but a little action and some alertness earlier by the local cops could have preempted the murder and the unfortunate situation that has arisen now. What led to the murder is still not quite clear. There are reports that Lal supported former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, who was recently in the news for her controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad. But it has also been reported that Lal did not know how to operate a mobile phone. When he was arrested following a complaint against him, he told the police that it was his child who, while playing a game, had shared an objectionable post by mistake. Lal was arrested but was bailed out the next day, that is, June 11.

Whatever be the truth, it is undeniable that he had informed the police that he was receiving death threats, and yet no action was taken. ADG (Law and Order) Hawa Singh Ghumaria told a newspaper, “Then, on June 15, he submitted a written complaint that he is getting death threats and sought police protection. The SHO concerned called the persons who were allegedly issuing the threats. And then, five-seven responsible persons from both the communities sat down and reached an agreement. In a handwritten note, Kanhaiya Lal said he doesn’t need any more action against anyone. Hence, the police did not proceed on the security threat.” All this may be correct, but what was local intelligence doing? That Gos Mohammad and Riyaz Akhtari were quite radicalised is evident from not just their crime but also their belief that anyone offending their Prophet has to be executed. As they said in their video,

“Gustakh-e-Nabi ki ek hi saza, sar tan se juda (There is only one punishment for disrespect to the Prophet, beheading).” This is a favourite slogan of Pakistan’s Muslim fundamentalists. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has denounced Lal’s murder, as also have other prominent leaders. Typically, they appeal to people to maintain peace. There is something that our political masters also need to do: Strengthen the law-enforcement apparatus and detox politics.