(Representative Image)

Palakkad, Kerala: A tribal youth named Vellayan, a member of the Adivasi community residing in Moochakundu, Chambakkuzhi, was found locked up in a resort building at Muthalamada in Palakkad district, Kerala, and was rescued by police and locals early Friday (August 22). He had allegedly been held in a room attached to a village resort without food for six days.

Vellayan is a worker at the resort. As per the reports, he was allegedly beaten and locked up by the resort owner as punishment for drinking from a liquor bottle found on the premises.

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The incident surfaced when a labourer employed at the resort informed local Dalit leader Shivarajan. Subsequently, a group of Dalit activists led by Shivarajan and Mariyappan Neelippara, along with Muthalamada councillor Kalpana Devi, informed the police, as reported by The Hindu.

The group led by the former panchayat president arrived at the resort on Thursday night, looking for Vellayan. When they searched the premises, the owner attempted to threaten them and hinder the search. They later discovered Vellayan lying unconscious in one of the rooms.

The police arrived at the scene immediately and broke open the door. Vellayan was then taken to the Government District Hospital, Palakkad.

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The former panchayat president later stated that Vellayan claimed he was kicked when he asked to relieve himself and that he was given food only once, as reported by Mathrubhumi.

The police are investigating the matter.