A horrific incident of mob violence has shaken Kerala's Palakkad district, resulting in the tragic death of a Dalit migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh. The victim, Ramnarayan Baghel (31), was allegedly beaten to death by a group of locals who reportedly mistook him for a Bangladeshi national, according to initial police reports.
Victim's Journey and the Fatal Attack
Ramnarayan Baghel, a resident of Karhi village in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, had travelled to Palakkad on December 13 in search of livelihood. He found work as a daily-wage labourer at a construction site after being called by a distant relative, Shashikant Baghel, from his native village. Described as extremely poor, Ramnarayan leaves behind his wife Lalita and two young sons, aged around eight and nine.
While initial reports suggest he was mistaken for a Bangladeshi, other sources indicate the mob may have wrongly accused him of being a thief following a local theft incident. The assault was brutal, with the group allegedly using sticks to beat him, leading to fatal injuries.
Family's Anguish and Police Response
The news has devastated his family in Sakti, plunging the entire village into mourning. His wife Lalita left for Palakkad on Friday upon receiving the tragic news. The incident has also sparked outrage and fear among the wider migrant worker community in the region.
Kerala police have acted swiftly, arresting five individuals in connection with the lynching. A case has been registered at the Walayar police station under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Authorities confirmed Ramnarayan's identity using his Aadhaar card and subsequently informed the Sakti police in Chhattisgarh.
Investigation and Aftermath
Police have stated that a detailed investigation is underway to establish the precise sequence of events and the motive behind the crime. Security has been stepped up in the area to prevent any escalation of tension.
Following the completion of all legal formalities, including a post-mortem examination, Ramnarayan Baghel's body will be sent back to his native village in Chhattisgarh for the final rites. This chilling case highlights the grave dangers of vigilantism and the vulnerability of migrant populations.
