In a poignant response to the horrific mob lynching of a young man in Balianta, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has expressed deep anguish and outrage through a thought-provoking poem titled Humanity Has Died.
The incident, which has sparked widespread condemnation across the state and country, involved a frenzied mob brutally beating a youth — identified as GRP Constable Soumya Ranjan Swain — to death. The minister highlighted how the viral video of the attack makes one feel that basic human values have been completely erased.
In his poem shared on social media, Minister Harichandan questions the disappearance of humanity in society. He reflects on the teachings of mothers, schools, civilization, scriptures, saints, and cultural values that distinguish right from wrong, only for people to descend into beastly, demonic behavior in a crowd.
Key excerpts from the poem’s message:
- He laments: “Where has that humanity gone?” — asking where the lessons of compassion, education, and morality have vanished.
- The minister strongly condemns mob justice, describing it as “kangaroo court” mentality and beastly savagery, far removed from civilized conduct.
- He emphasizes that even if someone commits a mistake, it should be addressed through proper legal channels at a police station, not through mob violence.
- The poem ends on a spiritual note, questioning whether God will forgive such acts and expressing shame in calling oneself human, while invoking Lord Mahakal to end such atrocities with his trident.
Minister Harichandan used the poem not only to criticize the incident but also to appeal to the youth and society at large to reject such uncivilized mindsets, uphold democratic values, and preserve human dignity. He has assured strict action against the culprits in the case.0
The Balianta incident continues to dominate discussions, with authorities making multiple arrests and promising a thorough investigation.
