Bhubaneswar: In response to widespread criticism of his poem addressing the recent mob lynching at Balianta, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Tuesday clarified that the verses highlight the “demonic tendencies” lurking within humans, rather than defending the perpetrators.
Harichandan noted that many commentators appear unfamiliar with even the basics of poetic expression. “The poem has been written about the demonic tendencies within humans. People who do not know the letter ‘K’ of the poem (i.e., those completely ignorant of poetry) are making such comments,” he said.
The minister’s poem, titled “Humanity Has Died,” was penned in reaction to the brutal mob killing of GRP Constable Soumya Ranjan Swain at Balianta, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, on May 7. A viral video of the incident has shocked the state and the nation, prompting outrage over the complete erosion of basic human value
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In the poem, Harichandan laments the disappearance of humanity, reflecting on the teachings imparted by mothers, schools, civilisation, scriptures, saints, and cultural traditions distinguishing the right from the wrong. He questions how, despite these lessons, people can descend into beastly and demonic behavior when part of a frenzied crowd.
Key themes in the poem include a strong condemnation of mob “justice,” described as a “kangaroo court” mentality far removed from civilised society. The minister stresses that even if an individual commits a wrongdoing, it must be addressed through proper legal channels at a police station, not through vigilante violence.
The poem concludes on a spiritual note, questioning whether God would forgive such acts, expressing shame in identifying as human, and invoking Lord Mahakal to end such atrocities.
Harichandan has assured strict action against those responsible while using the poem to appeal to youth and society to reject uncivilised mindsets, uphold democratic values, and preserve human dignity.
Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has apprehended another accused in the case, taking the total number of arrests to 12. Swain’s aggressive behaviour during the assault is being attributed to steroids, which he possibly consumed a few hours before the incident.