Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government over the brutal mob lynching of a migrant worker from Chhattisgarh in Palakkad district, demanding strict action against all those involved and adequate compensation for the victim’s family.    

The party also urged the state government to ensure the dignified transportation of the mortal remains of Ramnarayan Baghel to his native village in Chhattisgarh. The 31-year-old labourer was allegedly mistaken for a “Bangladeshi national” and beaten to death by an unruly mob.

Congress MP and party General Secretary KC Venugopal accused the Kerala government of failing to rein in violent elements and allowing fear-driven propaganda and rumours to spiral into deadly mob violence. 

“The Kerala Government has displayed a completely lackadaisical attitude in curbing the spread of fear-based propaganda and unchecked rumour-mongering. They must answer for the lack of timely action and their complete failure in managing law and order,” Venugopal wrote in a post on X. 

Ramnarayan, a resident of Sakti district in Chhattisgarh, had travelled to Kerala in search of work and better livelihood opportunities. Instead, his life was cut short after he was mercilessly assaulted by a mob in Palakkad.

A disturbing video of the incident surfaced on social media, showing Ramnarayan lying injured and bleeding profusely, with visible wounds on his head and body. The footage triggered widespread outrage and condemnation online.

According to reports, Ramnarayan tried to reason with his attackers, but the mob continued to assault him, repeatedly branding him a “Bangladeshi”.

Venugopal also recalled the 2018 lynching of tribal youth Madhu, who was beaten to death after being falsely accused of theft, pointing out that justice in that case was delivered only after massive public outrage.

“It is deplorable that a society known for its tradition of communal harmony is witnessing repeated incidents of mob violence, where innocent lives are lost to suspicion and misinformation,” the Congress leader said.

Madhu had succumbed to his injuries hours after being assaulted by a mob, a tragedy the Congress says mirrors the killing of Ramnarayan Baghel.