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REPORTS in the media cumulatively create the impression that savage killings are on the rise. Murder for gain, or resulting from feuds, or out of vengeance or passion was always part of the criminal landscape, but these days one notices three new features. First, intolerance of even a minor disagreement or honest difference of opinion has grown to such an extent that it often leads to the immediate elimination the opponent(s). Panchayat presidents /members in Tamil Nadu have been murdered for thwarting the corrupt activities of political adversaries.

Second, there is a frightening increase in the psychotic brutality with which murders are committed. The burning of the three innocent college girls in a bus in Dharmapuri just because some political goondas could not stomach the adverse verdict against the AIADMK General Secretary, Ms Jayalalithaa, in a corruption case; the manner of students killing students because of quarrels over union elections or ragging, or of girls who protested against eve-teasing; the beheading of a panchayat president; the rape and murder of a girl in the railway carriage and thrusting of her body into the commode — these are some examples of bestiality unimaginable in any society that calls itself civilised.

It is the third feature that is the most disturbing. Once upon a time it was the dregs of the society that was taken to be prone to criminal behaviour. In fact, during the British days, some groups, officially designated as criminal tribes, were brought within the purview of a special legislation with more stringent provisions.

Nowadays, members of the higher strata of society, many with educational qualifications and professional background, whose disposition is ordinarily assumed to be rational, cool-headed and law-abiding, seem to react with murderous violence against those who cross their path or queer their pitch. Paid assassins are engaged to bump off business rivals.

In short, killings for the sake of killing are no longer isolated instances of depravity of manic and sadistic savages but seem to be rapidly gaining ground as offshoots of mafia culture and gangland wars in every field — politics, filmdom, academics, trade, industry and commerce. They are no longer the last resort, but the first and instant means of settling scores.

The possibility of vocal dissenters of whatever description in public life dying peacefully in bed is becoming more and more remote. The investigating agencies meant for conventional categories of crimes have themselves become targets of intimidation at the hands of criminals-turned-politicians and underworld dons.

Reversing these alarming trends when there is still time has become imperative. It is a moot question whether the political class and the law and order machinery under its thumb realise the danger the nation is up against. The stakes for civil society in this matter are enormous. Eminent public-spirited citizens of integrity should come forward and take the lead in devising measures to combat this metastasising malignancy.

B. S. Raghavan

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