Kerala Mob Lynching: CM Pinarayi Vijayan Orders Probe, Assures Justice for Dalit Labourer’s Family

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday strongly condemned the mob lynching of a Dalit migrant labourer in Palakkad district and assured strict action against those responsible. Calling the incident “unacceptable in a progressive society,” the chief minister said justice would be ensured for the victim’s family.

The assurance comes after Ram Narayan Bakel, a 31-year-old migrant worker from Chhattisgarh, died after being brutally assaulted by a mob in Walayar, Palakkad.

Special Investigation Team Formed

In an official statement, the Chief Minister’s Office said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Palakkad Superintendent of Police has been constituted to probe the case.

“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 said.

The CMO added that authorities have been directed to thoroughly examine all aspects of the case, initiate necessary legal action, and review compensation for the victim’s family. The statement stressed that such acts damage the image of Kerala and must not be allowed to recur.

Victim Mistakenly Suspected After Local Theft

According to police, Ram Narayan Bakel, a Dalit migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district, had arrived in Palakkad on December 13 in search of work. He was employed as a daily-wage labourer at a construction site.

Initial reports suggest that he was mistakenly suspected of being a Bangladeshi national or a thief following a local theft incident. Family members said Bakel belonged to an extremely poor household and is survived by his wife Lalita and two young sons, aged eight and nine.

Brutal Assault Led to Death

The incident took place at Attappallam East in Walayar, where a group of local residents allegedly attacked Bakel with sticks, causing serious injuries. He was rushed to Palakkad District Hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Before his death, Bakel reportedly told hospital staff that he had been beaten by a mob accusing him of theft.

A preliminary postmortem examination revealed that the cause of death was excessive bleeding due to severe blunt-force injuries, especially to the head and other parts of the body. The autopsy was conducted at the Government Medical College Hospital in Thrissur.

Five Arrested, More Likely

Kerala Police have so far arrested five accused in connection with the alleged lynching. The arrested individuals have been identified as residents of Attappallam — Anu (38), Prasad (34), Murali (38), Anandan (55), and Bipin (30).

All five were produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody. Police officials said more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.

A case has been registered at the Walayar police station under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators are examining CCTV footage, videos circulated on social media, and eyewitness statements to identify others involved in the attack.

Security Tightened, Identity Confirmed

Following the incident, tension prevailed in the area, prompting police to step up security to prevent any escalation. Authorities confirmed Bakel’s identity using his Aadhaar card and informed officials in Chhattisgarh.

Related Topics:
India News | Kerala | Crime | Mob Lynching | Law & Order

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