Palakkad, Kerala: The post-mortem of 31-year-old Chhattisgarh migrant worker Ram Narayan Baghel, who died in Palakkad, Kerala, has revealed the extreme brutality he suffered in what authorities are now investigating as a mob lynching. 

Ram Narayan, a construction labourer from Karhi village, arrived in Kerala a week before his death in search of work. On December 17, he was detained and beaten by a group of local residents in Attappallam, who accused him of theft. Police later confirmed there was no evidence linking him to any crime.

Autopsy report

The post-mortem, conducted at Thrissur Government Medical College Hospital, revealed over 80 injuries covering his entire body, including shattered ribs, broken spine, and severe head trauma. Doctors reported extensive internal bleeding and concluded that death resulted from assault and blood loss. Most injuries were caused by blows with stick. Medical examiner Dr Hithesh Shankar described the assault as “cruel” and carried out from multiple directions, noting that there was no part of the body free of injury.

Mob lynching and communal undertones

Activists have condemned the attack as a clear example of mob lynching with communal elements. Videos of the assault reportedly show the mob asking if Ram Narayan was from Bangladesh. Writers and human rights advocates described the killing as racially motivated, highlighting the growing Islamophobia and religious intolerance in Kerala.

Human rights groups have alleged that authorities initially sought to treat the incident as an ordinary crime. They demand that the case be officially recorded as mob lynching, with ₹25 lakh compensation for the family and the state covering the cost of transporting the body to Chhattisgarh.

Ram Narayan’s family was initially not informed of his death, receiving a call from police that he was at the station. His wife, two sons, and mother have since travelled from Chhattisgarh to Kerala. Activists insist that the family will not permit the body to return home unless the case is formally recognised as mob lynching and compensation is provided.

Police investigation and arrests

The Walayar police have registered a murder case under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Five local residents—Murali, Prasad, Anu, Bipin, and Anandan—have been arrested. Police reports indicate that around 15 people participated in the attack, including some women, and that several suspects may have fled the area. 

The district crime branch is examining the role of all participants, and additional arrests are expected as the probe continues.

The State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the case, directing the Palakkad district police chief to submit a detailed report within three weeks.