Kerala mob lynching case: Political affiliations of accused come under spotlight

Palakkad: Media reports emerged on Monday highlighting political affiliations among those arrested in the brutal mob lynching of Chhattisgarh migrant worker Ram Narayan Baghel in Palakkad. The media reports attributed the findings to a Special Branch investigation report. According to these reports, four of the accused are BJP supporters, while the fourth accused, Anandan, is a CITU activist.

Accused have criminal and political backgrounds

The Special Branch report identifies the first, second, third, and fifth accused as BJP supporters. While the fourth accused is a CITU activist. Reports said that several of the accused have criminal records and had previously attempted attacks on DY.FI and CITU members at their homes.

The Palakkad SP confirmed that the political affiliations of the suspects will be thoroughly examined.

Details of the attack

The remand report said the assault on Ram Narayan was carried out with deliberate intent. The victims struck Baghel with sticks and fists in multiple areas of his body.  Anu (first accused) and Prasad (second accused) inflicted severe blows with sticks and hands. Murali (third accused) hit Baghel in the face with his hand. Anandan (fourth accused) repeatedly stomped on Baghel’s abdomen. Bipin (fifth accused) struck Baghel on the head with his hand. Police reached these conclusions after reviewing witness statements and video footage.

Political controversy

The CPM has accused the RSS of orchestrating the attack, while the BJP denied the allegations. Kerala Minister MB Rajesh described the killing as motivated by “hatred politics,” claiming some accused had previously tried to assault CPM members at their homes. Ruling CPM’s state secretary MV Govindan echoed similar accusations.

The BJP, however, maintained that individuals from multiple political parties were involved.