The Kerala government on Monday, December 22, 2025, moved to address the growing outrage over the mob lynching of Ramnarayan, a 31-year-old migrant worker from Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and promised “foolproof” justice to the victim’s family, who traveled to Thrissur to claim his remains.
The Incident: Mistaken Identity and Brutality
Ramnarayan, a Dalit laborer who arrived in Palakkad just four days before the attack, was allegedly beaten to death on Wednesday, December 17, at Attappallam near Walayar.
- The Accusation: Locals suspected him of theft after he was spotted wandering near a residential area. No stolen property was recovered from him.
- Racial Branding: Ministers K. Rajan and M.B. Rajesh highlighted a chilling detail—attackers allegedly branded the victim a “Bangladeshi” during the assault. Minister Rajesh labeled the incident a fallout of “racial hatred.”
- Mob Trial: Assailants reportedly recorded the “questioning” and the assault on their mobile phones, a pattern reminiscent of the 2018 Madhu lynching case.
Government Action and Compensation
Following a meeting with the victim’s family, who initially refused to accept the body, the state government announced several key measures:
- Financial Aid: The government has promised a compensation of not less than ₹10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). The family has requested ₹25 lakh.
- Transport of Remains: The state will facilitate the transport of Ramnarayan’s mortal remains to his home district in Chhattisgarh by air.
- SIT Formation: A 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by the District Crime Branch Deputy SP, has been formed to identify all participants in the mob.
Legal Status: 5 Arrested
The Walayar police have so far arrested five residents of Attappallam. Under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the accused face murder charges that could lead to the death penalty.
| Accused Name | Age | Legal Status |
| Anu | 38 | Remanded to Judicial Custody |
| Prasad | 34 | Remanded to Judicial Custody |
| Murali | 38 | Remanded to Judicial Custody |
| Ananthan | 55 | Remanded to Judicial Custody |
| Bipin | 30 | Remanded to Judicial Custody |
SC/ST Act Update: Palakkad SP Ajit Kumar confirmed that the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act will be formally invoked once the victim’s caste certificate is verified by the investigating team.
Political Reaction
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan and AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal slammed the state government for a “lackadaisical attitude” toward rumor-mongering and moral policing. They urged the government to ensure this is the “last such case” in a state that prides itself on being a progressive society.