Is it permissible to kill the corrupt individual who kills and plunders wealth in the town and incites fear among its people?

A person repels aggression against himself, his honor, and his property by the easiest means available, then the next easiest. If the aggression cannot be repelled except by killing, then he is permitted to do so, and there is no blame upon him. If the victim of the aggression is killed, he is a martyr.

However, in situations other than aggression, it is not permissible for an individual to seek retribution for himself, nor is it permissible for the general populace to enforce hudud punishments or qisas (retaliation). Instead, they should refer the matter to the authorities, because the enforcement of hudud and the administration of justice are the prerogative of the Imam or his deputy. This is to protect society from chaos and maintain security.

If there is no Imam in a particular era, it becomes incumbent upon the people of every town and village to appoint someone from among themselves to manage their affairs and establish justice, thereby preventing corruption. For if they fail to do so, corruption will become widespread.