What happened to people’s compassion and kindness?

The harrowing case of an individual who was assaulted by villagers who mistook him for a robber was reported in the media. Having seen the footage of people assaulting him going viral on social media, this individual had later committed suicide. 

The victim Ramachandran Puwaneswaran alias Murali (34), was a resident of Rothschild Estate in Pussellawa. Investigations revealed that his parents had died, and his only sister was living in another area. He had fallen asleep on the bus on his way to Rothschild Estate and had gotten down at Ramboda area at about 2.00 am. As the only resort, he had decided to go in search of a relative living in the Ramboda area, but unfortunately, he lost his way. When he had tapped on a door seeking help, the occupants, under the impression that it was a thief had raised cries alerting the neighbours who rushed to the scene and assaulted the stranger.

This goes on to show why people need to practice compassion towards all beings. Does that mean that a stranger cannot ask for help on this paradise isle? How could people take the law unto their hands when there are law enforcement authorities to enforce the law? There is absolutely no reason for people to attack someone, even if he is a robber. The government should take serious consideration with regards to incidents of this nature that often go unreported or are swept under the carpet. 

A concerned citizen