Palakkad mob lynching: CPI(M) alleges RSS role, says victim branded Bangladeshi; BJP denies charge
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government on Monday assured stringent action in the mob lynching of a Chhattisgarh native who was allegedly beaten to death after being mistaken for a thief, and promised justice to the victims family, even as the ruling CPI(M) accused the RSS of being behind the assault, an allegation strongly denied by the BJP. Ramnarayan (31) was allegedly beaten to death on Wednesday after being accused of involvement in a theft at Kizhakeattappallam near Walayar in Palakkad district. As the incident sent shockwaves across the state, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described it as deeply disturbing and said such acts tarnish the image of a progressive society like Kerala and are completely unacceptable. Assuring justice to Ramnarayans family, who have since arrived in the state, Vijayan said strict action would be taken against those responsible. In a statement issued by the Chief Ministers Office, Vijayan said a special investigation team of the district police was probing the incident and that instructions had been issued to thoroughly examine all details of the case and initiate necessary legal proceedings. The government would also review the matter and ensure appropriate compensation to the victims family, he added, while calling for collective vigilance to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. State Minister M B Rajesh claimed that racial slurs were used against the victim and alleged that the attackers were RSS workers. Ruling CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan also alleged that RSS-BJP workers were behind the crime. Vijayans remarks came a day after the opposition Congress and the victims family demanded compensation and an investigation under stringent laws, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The brother of the deceased told reporters on Sunday that the family would not accept the body until their demands, including compensation of 25 lakh, were met. Kerala ministers K Rajan and M B Rajesh strongly condemned the incident, saying it was not merely a case of mob lynching but also involved racial abuse. They said the accused had attacked Ramnarayan after branding him a Bangladeshi and beat him to death. The government will ensure a foolproof probe into the incident, and no one involved in the crime will be spared, Revenue Minister Rajan told reporters in Thrissur. He said an amount of not less than 10 lakh would be granted from the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) to the victims family, and that a cabinet meeting would take a decision in this regard. LSGD Minister Rajesh also said Ramnarayan was branded as a Bangladeshi by his attackers. Speaking to reporters in Palakkad, he alleged that those who brutally assaulted and killed Ramnarayan were RSS workers. The Chhattisgarh native, who had come to Kerala in search of a job, became a victim of what he described as the divisive politics of the Sangh Parivar. Branding a person as Bangladeshi stems from racial politics. Ramnarayan was a victim of the racial poison spread by the Sangh Parivar in the country, Rajesh alleged, also accusing a section of the media of concealing the RSSs alleged involvement in the assault. Stepping up the attack on right-wing groups, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan claimed that RSS-BJP workers were behind the crime. Those involved were accused in various criminal cases and were linked to the RSS. All of them have been identified. Such cruelties should not be allowed to repeat in the state, he said, adding that a society committed to democratic values and secular principles cannot accept such crimes. Senior BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan strongly rejected the allegations against the BJP and the RSS. Why should politics be mixed with such crimes? When a heinous crime like mob lynching occurs, shouldnt it be treated purely as an anti-social act? he asked. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan urged the government to take urgent steps to provide financial assistance to Ramnarayans family. Meanwhile, Palakkad Superintendent of Police Ajit Kumar said the case had been registered under sections relating to murder, and that additional sections would be added after a detailed probe. After verification of the deceased mans caste certificate, provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act would also be invoked, he said. A 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under the Deputy Superintendent of Police (district crime branch) to probe the incident, and will function under the direction and supervision of the Palakkad SP. Responding to queries about the political background of the accused, the officer said it was being verified. Five people have been arrested so far for allegedly beating Ramnarayan to death on suspicion of theft. The injured man was taken to the Palakkad District Government Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. (With inputs from PTI and Express News Service)
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