Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan (ANI image)
NEW DELHI: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday assured strict action and justice for the family of Ram Narayan Bakel, who was killed in a mob assault in Walayar in Palakkad district, calling the incident unacceptable in a progressive society like Kerala.In a statement issued by the CMO, Vijayan said a special investigation team led by the Palakkad Superintendent of Police has been formed 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 read. The CMO added that instructions have been given to thoroughly examine the case, initiate necessary legal action and review compensation for the victim’s family. “Such acts, which tarnish the reputation of a progressive society like Kerala, are completely unacceptable. Everyone must remain vigilant to ensure that such incidents do not recur,” it added.The chief minister’s assurance comes after a chilling case of mob violence was reported in Palakkad. Ramnarayan Baghel (31), a Dalit migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh, was allegedly beaten to death by a group of people in Walayar. According to initial reports, he was mistakenly suspected of being a Bangladeshi national or a thief following a local theft incident.Baghel, a resident of Karhi village in Sakti district of Chhattisgarh, had arrived in Palakkad on December 13 in search of work and was employed as a daily-wage labourer at a construction site. Family members said he was extremely poor and is survived by his wife Lalita and two young sons, aged around eight and nine.Police said the incident occurred at Attappallam East in Walayar, where a group of residents allegedly assaulted Baghel with sticks, causing severe injuries. He was taken to Palakkad District Hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Before his death, Baghel reportedly told hospital staff that he had been attacked by a mob accusing him of theft.Preliminary postmortem findings revealed that Baghel died due to excessive bleeding caused by severe blunt-force injuries to the head and other parts of the body. The autopsy was conducted at the Government Medical College Hospital in Thrissur.Kerala police have arrested five people in connection with the alleged lynching. Those arrested were identified as Attappallam residents Anu (38), Prasad (34), Murali (38), Anandan (55) and Bipin (30). They were produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody. Police said further 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 witness statements to identify others involved in the attack.Following the incident, tension prevailed in the area, prompting police to step up security to prevent any escalation. Police confirmed Baghel’s identity through his Aadhaar card and informed authorities in Chhattisgarh.