A FEW days ago, horrifying videos of a man, who is reportedly the son of an influential person, went viral on social media. The man in one of the videos could be seen stabbing two young men with a knife over a parking issue in the presence of security officials of the residential facility. In the first clip, a man can be seen telling the attacker not to act like a thug. In the second clip, the attacker can be seen with a weapon in his hand with which he later attacked two individuals.

Despite the presence of security guards, he was able to escape after carrying out the attack. The guards, who can be seen right next to the attacker in the video, denied they were present at the crime scene.

Why are powerful people the most likely to break the rules — even when they make the ruled themselves?

Encouraging the powerful to become more empathetic and mindful is usually not enough. When scandals hit, people usually search for scapegoats. A public apology, a resignation, an inquiry, and some new rules usually make the public feel like something has been done.

But actually, hasty actions often detract the attention and leave the system of power in place which causes the problems in the first place. Often the only way to remember the lessons of irresponsible behaviour is to change underlying institutions in a way which puts limitations on the powerful and reminds them that they too are bound by the rules.

Superiority complex in a certain segment over the years has nurtured such spoiled brats in society who proudly consider themselves above the law. Sadly, loopholes in the justice system and weak prosecution provide an easy escape route.

This horrified incident shows that the morals of our society are worsening day by day. Unequal distribution of power has made people like that attacker to think that they can get away with anything.

In any case, justice should be provided to the aggrieved party. How many times have we seen incidents like this? How many times has the system failed its people? How can people be so insensitive, atrocious and dreadful that for the sake of some toxic masculinity, they are willing to endanger someone’s life?

This is an act of terrorism and it should not be tolerated. The state needs to arrest the attacker as soon as possible and give him the punishment he deserves if it wants to halt such incidents.

Nimra Firdous
Lahore

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2021