Mizoram: seven arrested for lynching youth over theft allegations

Aizawl (The Uttam Hindu): Mizoram Police have arrested seven members of a Village Defence Party (VDP) for their alleged involvement in the killing of a 31-year-old man near Aizawl over accusations of stealing money. Initial arrests on Sunday included two VDP members, with five more detained over the subsequent three days, officials said. A culpable homicide case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint by the victim's mother, Nunthangmawii.

The victim, David Lalmuanpuia, a daily wage earner from Tuirial Airfield locality, and his friend Lalduhsaka, 20, were reportedly assaulted by VDP members after a pastor accused them of stealing Rs 26,000 from his quarters during a church service on December 18. Nunthangmawii alleged that VDP members forcibly took her son from their home on the night of December 18, interrogated him for hours, and brutally beat him, despite her pleas for mercy and intervention from the pastor. Following the prolonged assault, Lalmuanpuia was found unconscious in the VDP room and rushed to a hospital in Aizawl, where he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of December 19. Nunthangmawii maintained that her son, though occasionally using drugs, was not involved in the theft and had been at home when it occurred. Union Home Minister K. Sapdanga condemned the incident, urging those engaged in community policing to adhere strictly to legal procedures and avoid vigilantism. The case has sparked widespread outrage in Mizoram, with demands for strict punishment for those involved. Public criticism has also been directed at the pastor for allegedly ignoring the mother’s pleas for intervention.

The Centre for Environment and Social Justice (CESJ), led by social activist Vanramchhuangi, called on the state government to take swift action against the accused. The organization warned that it would escalate the matter to the National Human Rights Commission if prompt justice is not served. Additionally, the CESJ has demanded amendments to the Mizoram Police Act, 2011, which governs the VDP, to prevent overreach in community policing and ensure adherence to legal boundaries. The tragic death of Lalmuanpuia has shaken the state, underscoring the perils of extrajudicial actions and reinforcing the need for reforms in community policing practices.