Sahitya Akademi Award winner Kiran Nagarkar
Kiran Nagarkar, one of the country's most respected authors, has come down hard on divisive politics and twisted logic of politicians after the murder of a 50-year-old Muslim man in Uttar Pradesh over rumours that he consumed beef.
"This is not the India I know. This is not the India I want," Mr Nagarkar, a winner of the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award, told NDTV.
Slamming Union Culture Minister
Mahesh Sharma's controversial statement that the murder of Mohammed Akhlaq was just an "unfortunate accident", Mr Nagarkar said that by that logic, other historical evils like the holocaust could also be termed only as an "accident".
"There is a limit to hypocrisy, telling lies and defending the indefensible. India has not gone mad and this will not do. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been talking of Mahatma Gandhi's values, (he) must say that he will not tolerate this," he insisted. "There is no point just speaking abroad. And there cannot be just talk but action has to follow."
Mr Nagarkar also applauded the magnanimity shown by Mohammed Akhlaq's son Mohammed Sartaj - a Corporal in the Indian Air Force - who told NDTV - "
Saare Jahaan se Accha, Hindustan Hamara, Mazhab Nahin Sikhaata Aapas Mein Bair Rakhna." Mr Sartaj had been asked what he would like to say to politicians who have been trooping into the Bisada village in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri since his father's horrific death.
"He has shown wisdom that our leaders have forsaken. How would these leaders feel if a mob landed up with bricks and iron rods? It is frightening," Mr Nagarkar said.
The author again appealed to the Prime Minister to speak out. "The Prime Minister is a very intelligent and strong man. His voice will be heard. But he has to first speak up."