Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has pledged stringent legal action and justice for the family of Ramnarayan Baghel, a Dalit migrant labourer who was brutally killed in a mob assault in Palakkad district. The Chief Minister condemned the incident, calling it utterly unacceptable for a progressive society like Kerala.
Chief Minister's Assurance and Ongoing Investigation
In a strong statement, CM Vijayan assured that justice will be ensured for Baghel's family. He confirmed that strict action will be taken against all accused involved in the violent mob attack that occurred in Walayar. A special investigation team, led by the Palakkad Superintendent of Police, is actively probing the case.
The government has issued instructions to thoroughly review all details and proceed with necessary legal measures. Furthermore, the state will assess and provide appropriate compensation to the victim's grieving family. "Such actions, which tarnish the reputation of a progressive society like Kerala, are completely unacceptable. Everyone must remain vigilant to prevent such incidents from recurring," the Chief Minister emphasized.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The victim, 31-year-old Ramnarayan Baghel, was a Dalit migrant labourer hailing from Karhi village in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh. He had arrived in Palakkad on December 13 in search of livelihood and was working as a daily-wage labourer at a construction site. His family described him as extremely poor; he is survived by his wife Lalita and two young sons, aged approximately 8 and 9 years.
The fatal assault took place at Attappallam East in Walayar. According to police reports, a group of local residents allegedly attacked Baghel with sticks, inflicting severe injuries. The initial trigger appears to be a case of mistaken identity, where Baghel was wrongly suspected of being either a Bangladeshi national or a thief following a local theft incident.
Critically injured, Baghel was rushed to the Palakkad district hospital. Before succumbing to his injuries, he reportedly informed hospital staff that he was attacked by a mob accusing him of theft.
Postmortem Findings and Police Action
Preliminary postmortem findings from the autopsy conducted at the Government Medical College Hospital in Thrissur revealed that Baghel died due to excessive bleeding caused by severe blunt-force injuries to his head and other parts of the body.
In a swift response, the police have arrested five individuals in connection with the crime. The accused have been produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody. Authorities have indicated that further arrests are likely as the investigation by the special team progresses.
The case has highlighted grave concerns over mob violence and the safety of migrant workers in the state, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and social harmony.
