Kerala lynching case: SIT formed as mortal remains of Chhattisgarh migrant worker returned home

Thrissur (Kerala): The mortal remains of Ramnarayan Baghel, a migrant worker from Chhattisgarh who was allegedly lynched in Kerala’s Palakkad district after being mistaken for a thief, were sent to his home state on Tuesday. The incident has triggered strong demands for justice and compensation for the victim’s family.

Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan said the State Cabinet would take a decision on providing financial assistance to Baghel’s family from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. He noted that the family has sought compensation of at least ₹10 lakh, which will be examined by the Cabinet. Rajan also confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the case and that five individuals have been arrested so far.

“There were reports of racial slurs being used. The investigation team will verify whether the attack was carried out on the pretext of the victim being a Bangladeshi. An inquiry will also be conducted into the attack on a member of the SC/ST community,” the Minister said. He added that the Kerala Chief Secretary has been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with the Supreme Court’s 2023 directives relating to crimes against SC/ST communities.

Earlier in the day, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over what he described as an “inhuman and unfortunate” killing. The victim, Ramnarayan Baghel, hailed from Karhi village in the Hasoud tehsil of Sakti district. The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the bereaved family and said arrangements were made to immediately send family members to Kerala. Acting on his directions, officials ensured that Baghel’s mortal remains were transported to his native village with full honours.

Baghel was attacked on December 17 in Palakkad district after a mob allegedly mistook him for a Bangladeshi national. Following the incident, District Police Chief Ajit Kumar confirmed that multiple arrests had been made and that the investigation remains underway.

“A group of people has assaulted one person from Chhattisgarh. With respect to that, one murder case has been registered, and five persons have been arrested. Five of the main accused have been arrested and remanded, and further investigation is ongoing in the case,” Ajit Kumar told ANI.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed officials to ensure the strictest legal action against all those involved to prevent similar incidents in the future. Authorities in both Kerala and Chhattisgarh have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice and extending all possible support to the victim’s family.

ANI