Palakkad Mob Lynching: Migrant Worker Mistaken As 'Bangladeshi' Dies Suffering Injuries

Ramnarayan Baghel, a 31-year-old resident of Sakti district, Chhattisgarh scummed to injuries after being lynched by a mob in Palakkad district after mistaken for a Bangladeshi national. Reportedly, the incident took place at Attapallam area under Valayar police station limits, on December 17.

The local residents detained him on suspicion of theft and questioned his identity. However, as per the police inquiry, no stolen property was recovered from him.

The post-mortem report revealed more than 80 injuries, with severe head injuries and multiple wounds across his body, and excessive bleeding. A video of the incident has surfaced, showing the severity of the violence. The 31-second-long viral video of the assault showed Ramnarayan being repeatedly addressed as a “Bangladeshi” by the accused.

Moreover, the person recording the video asks him, “What is your language?” He is then asked where his village is. Before Ramnarayan can properly respond, those around him themselves say, “You are Bangladeshi.”

The Kerala Police has registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and arrested five accused. Murli, Prasad, Anu, Bipin and Anandan, all are residents of Attapallam village.

Police has also clarified that Ramnarayan had no criminal record. The victim leaves two sons, aged eight and ten.

As per the Ramnarayan’s cousin, “He went went to Kerala only to earn a living, but he was beaten to death after being mistaken for a Bagladeshi. He was a poor man”. He appealed to the government to help the deceased family.

The Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma while calling the incident tragic said, there was widespread outrage over the killing and his government has discussed the matter and assured to provide support to the family.