The CPI(M) has alleged that the RSS-BJP is behind the mob lynching in Palakkad, Kerala, which resulted in the death of a migrant worker from Chhattisgarh, Ram Narayan Baghel. CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan said RSS activists—who, he claimed, have criminal backgrounds and are ready to commit condemnable acts—were responsible for Baghel’s death. Meanwhile, state minister M.B. Rajesh alleged that Sangh Parivar’s hate politics led to the lynching.
The minister said the 31-year-old Baghel, who had come in search of work, was subjected to a so-called “trial” by a group that included known RSS activists and was brutally attacked. “Labelling him as ‘Bangladeshi’ stems from racial hatred and communal politics. Ram Narayan is a victim of the communal and racial poison that the Sangh Parivar is spreading across the country. Even now, the media largely describes the incident merely as a ‘mob lynching.’ Why is there such a deliberate attempt to conceal the identities of those responsible?” Rajesh said.
Police have arrested five suspects so far. According to the CPI(M), four of them are RSS-BJP workers. Rajesh further alleged that those arrested are also accused in a case involving an attempt to storm a house and kill two CPI(M) workers. “Their political affiliations and criminal backgrounds are well known. Yet there is a concerted effort to hide the fact that hatred-driven politics lay behind the attack. Had there been even a remote connection to the CPI(M), this lynching would have been loudly sensationalised. Not a single question is being raised at the Sangh Parivar leadership,” he said.
Though the shocking incident took place on December 17, the Kerala Chief Minister’s first statement on the matter came this morning. “Justice will be ensured for the family of Ram Narayan Baghel, who was killed following a mob assault in Walayar, Palakkad. Strict action will be taken against the accused,” the CM said, adding that a special investigation team led by the Palakkad Superintendent of Police is probing the case.
Notably, the victim’s family had refused to accept the body as a form of protest. They demanded ₹25 lakh in compensation from the state government and sought the inclusion of charges related to mob lynching and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against the accused. A protest committee of activists also appealed to the family and put pressure on the government.
Notably, the state government has agreed to provide immediate compensation of Rs 10 lakh. “Instructions have been given to examine the details of the case and initiate all necessary legal proceedings. The government will review the matter and ensure appropriate compensation,” the CM said, adding that such acts, which tarnish the reputation of a progressive society like Kerala, are completely unacceptable.
The government has also accepted the demand to extend all legal protections applicable under provisions relating to mob lynching and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The government has also accepted responsibility for taking the body of the deceased back to his native place. “That these outcomes were achieved is due to the peaceful and patient intervention of the family and the protest committee. Though delayed, the government’s decisions are welcome,” noted Ambika, activist and editor of the monthly Maruvakku.