Chhattisgarh: In a tragic incident, 23-year-old Lokesh Soni, a Hindu youth, died by suicide after members of the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad conducted a raid at his home in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district over allegations of cow meat consumption.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the raid took place in Bhilai’s Supola area and has ignited widespread outrage against the actions of Hindutva groups, which are now being accused of targeting Hindu households.

Soni’s family claims that the intimidation and coercion by the raiders led him to take his own life. His aunt recounted that Soni locked himself inside the house as the group approached. He was later found dead after the door was forcibly opened.

Soni’s father, a police station peon, is now dealing with the aftermath of what some see as a system that allows mob aggression. “My boy was scared. These people raided our home, alleging cow meat consumption. He couldn’t bear the harassment and ended his life,” his aunt lamented.

Bajrang Dal leaders have stated that they acted based on reports of cow meat being sold near a temple in Krishna Nagar. However, activist Kunal Shukla from Raipur criticized the Hindutva group’s actions, calling them hooliganism disguised as cow protection. “This was no Abdul, this was Lokesh Soni. Hindutva groups now target even Hindus. The government’s silence emboldens them,” Shukla said.

The incident highlights concerns about a culture of mob justice and raises questions about the government’s role and the influence of extremist organizations. Critics are calling for accountability and an end to targeted violence that threatens India’s social fabric.