Chicago – January 13, 2026
In 2025, India saw a significant decline in large communal riots, with around 28 incidents, down from 59 the year before. Despite this, mob lynching and hate-related violence persisted and even slightly increased as a distinct form of identity-based violence. CSSS documented about 14 mob lynching cases resulting in eight deaths nationwide.
These incidents often involved communally or racially charged motives, including violence triggered by suspicion, theft allegations, or prejudices against migrant or minority groups. High-profile cases—such as the lynching of Angel Chakma, a northeastern student in Dehradun—highlight ongoing tensions and societal fractures.
Critics note that while riot numbers dropped, systemic discrimination and lower-visibility mob violence continue, reflecting deeper issues of intolerance and weak enforcement of anti-lynching laws.
