Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has promised stringent legal action and justice for the family of a migrant worker who was brutally killed in a case of mob violence in Palakkad district. The Chief Minister condemned the incident, calling it unacceptable for a progressive society like Kerala.
Chief Minister's Stern Assurance and SIT Formation
In an official statement released by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Monday, Vijayan declared that a special investigation team (SIT) led by the Palakkad Superintendent of Police has been constituted to probe the case thoroughly. "Justice will be ensured for the family of Ram Narayan Bakel, who was killed following a mob assault in Walayar, Palakkad. Strict action will be taken against those responsible," the statement read.
The CMO further stated that clear instructions have been issued to examine all aspects of the case meticulously, initiate necessary legal proceedings, and review compensation for the victim's family. It emphasized that such acts, which tarnish the state's reputation, are completely intolerable and called for public vigilance to prevent recurrence.
Chilling Details of the Walayar Mob Attack
The assurance follows the shocking report of a mob lynching in Walayar. The victim, Ramnarayan Baghel, a 31-year-old Dalit migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh, was allegedly beaten to death by a group of local residents. Preliminary reports suggest he was mistakenly suspected of being either a Bangladeshi national or a thief in connection with a local theft incident.
Baghel, a resident of Karhi village in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, had arrived in Palakkad only on December 13 in search of livelihood. He was working as a daily-wage labourer at a construction site. His family, which includes his wife Lalita and two young sons aged around eight and nine, described him as extremely poor.
The assault occurred at Attappallam East in Walayar. Police reported that a group of individuals attacked Baghel with sticks, inflicting severe injuries. He was rushed to the Palakkad District Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed. Before his death, Baghel reportedly informed hospital staff that he was attacked by a mob accusing him of theft.
The preliminary postmortem report, conducted at the Government Medical College Hospital in Thrissur, concluded that Baghel died due to excessive bleeding from severe blunt-force injuries to the head and other body parts.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
Kerala police have swiftly arrested five individuals in connection with the alleged lynching. The arrested persons, all residents of Attappallam, have been identified as Anu (38), Prasad (34), Murali (38), Anandan (55), and Bipin (30). They were produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody. Police indicated that more arrests are likely as the investigation advances.
A formal case has been registered at the Walayar police station under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators are actively examining CCTV footage, videos circulating on social media, and witness statements to identify other participants in the attack.
Following the incident, tension gripped the area, prompting police to enhance security measures to prevent any escalation. Authorities confirmed Baghel's identity using his Aadhaar card and have informed their counterparts in Chhattisgarh about the tragic event.
