Over a month after cobbler Ruplal Robidas was killed by a mob in Rangpur’s Taraganj upazila, his 14-year-old son Joy Robidas is trying to rebuild his life -- this time with books in hand instead of a needle and thread.

Joy once dreamed of studying and building a bright future for himself and his family. But on August 9, that dream was dashed forever.

Why do some cases see swift action while others get neglected?

Deaths in mob beatings marked a sharp rise this year due to poor law enforcement, a lack of trust in police, and a sense of impunity among the perpetrators, according to Ain O Salish Kendra and experts.

India's Supreme Court yesterday asked the government to enact a new law and stem what it called "horrendous acts" of lynching, after some 22 people were killed by mobs this year.