Archive · 2 Aug 2026
India’s Rising Vigilantism Threatens Democracy
In India, some people feel the courts are too slow or unfair, so they try to punish wrongdoers themselves.
This is called vigilantism.
Some groups, like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, even get help from the government.
They often target minority communities, which makes people scared.
A different group, the Gulabi Gang, is made of women who protect other women from abuse.
The writer says this trend hurts India’s democracy and makes society more divided.
Vigilantism has risen in India due to delays and mistrust in the justice system.
The state has sometimes supported vigilante groups, turning them into de‑facto agents.
Right‑wing groups such as the RSS and its affiliates have increased violence against minorities since 2014.
The Gulabi Gang, a women’s vigilante group, was formed to protect village women from domestic and sexual violence.
The article argues that vigilantism threatens India’s democracy and fuels communal tensions.
- Who
- Citizens, state actors, and vigilante groups in India
- What
- The rise of vigilantism and its impact on justice and democracy
- When
- Past several decades, especially since 2012 and 2014
- Where
- India, including West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- Perceived injustice, delays in the legal system, and state support for certain groups
- Country
- India
- Issue
- Vigilantism
- Key Groups
- RSS, BGRD, Gulabi Gang
- State Support
- Yes
- Author
- Anita Anand