Dalit Migrant Worker Lynching Leaves Kerala Aghast and Draws Across-the-Aisle Political Condemnation
A chilling incident of mob violence in Kerala's Palakkad district has left the state aghast, with the brutal lynching of a 31-year-old Dalit migrant worker, Ram Narayan, sparking widespread condemnation across party lines. On December 17, 2025, around 6:00 PM, a mob in the Attappallam area of Walayar beat Ram Narayan to death, falsely accusing him of theft.
According to eyewitness accounts and medical evidence, the attack was a premeditated act of violence that left Ram Narayan with more than 80 injuries across his body, including severe wounds to his head. Dr. Hithesh Shankar, who conducted the post-mortem examination, described the assault as "cruel" and "carried out from different sides," characterizing it as a clear "mob attack" where the victim was "beaten like an animal."
Ram Narayan's family was not informed of his death immediately. It was only on December 18 that they received a phone call from the Kerala police, asking them to reach Palakkad, without mentioning the horrific details of his death. Five men have since been arrested in connection with the case, with the police preparing to add murder charges against the accused.
What makes this incident even more disturbing is the communal and xenophobic slurs used against Ram Narayan. According to reports, he was beaten after being falsely accused of being a "Bangladeshi infiltrator." This suggests that the violence had deeper hate crime dimensions, beyond the alleged theft.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from Kerala's political parties, with leaders labeling Ram Narayan a "victim of Sangh Parivar's hate politics." The Kerala government has also expressed its support for the family of the mob lynching victim, with government officials engaging on the matter.
The State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and ordered an inquiry, directing the Palakkad district police chief to submit a detailed report within three weeks. The commission's action highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The lynching of Ram Narayan is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers in India, particularly those from marginalized communities. This case highlights how migrant workers, especially Dalit workers from other states, face heightened risks of communal violence and xenophobic attacks. The brutality of the assault demonstrates the extreme nature of mob violence when it occurs.
The incident also raises questions about law enforcement response times and the protection of vulnerable populations. The fact that Ram Narayan's family was not immediately informed of his death is a disturbing indicator of the lack of attention and care given to victims of such crimes.
As Kerala grapples with the aftermath of this horrific incident, it is clear that the state needs to take a hard look at its institutions and policies to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The lynching of Ram Narayan is a wake-up call for the state to address the systemic issues that lead to such violence and ensure that migrant workers are treated with dignity and respect.
The people of Kerala, known for their tolerance and hospitality, are outraged by this incident. The state's commitment to social justice and equality must be put to the test now more than ever. As the investigation into Ram Narayan's death unfolds, it is crucial that the state takes concrete steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Ram Narayan was working in a farm.
📰 Source: The Hindu - National
