Palakkad Lynching: Video Shows Mob Questioning Dalit Labourer if ‘Bangladeshi’

Fresh details have emerged in the mob lynching of a migrant labourer in Palakkad, after a video surfaced showing the victim being interrogated, assaulted, and asked whether he was Bangladeshi during the attack.

The footage, purportedly recorded during the incident, shows a group of men questioning the victim’s identity, slapping him repeatedly, and laughing as the assault continued. One of the attackers can be heard asking if the man was from Bangladesh, even as he was being beaten.

The victim, Ram Narayan Baghel, a migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh, was attacked by local residents in the Attappallam area of Walayar. Police said the assault was triggered by allegations of theft, although officials confirmed that no stolen property was recovered from him.

According to police accounts, Baghel collapsed during the assault and began vomiting blood. He was taken to the Palakkad district hospital and later referred to Thrissur Medical College, where he succumbed to his injuries. A postmortem examination revealed multiple severe injuries across his body, indicating a brutal beating.

Following his death, Baghel’s family refused to accept his mortal remains, demanding stricter legal action. His brother, Shashikant, said the family belongs to the Dalit community and has sought registration of the case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The family has also demanded compensation of ₹25 lakh, stating that Baghel was the sole breadwinner.

Baghel’s wife Lalitha and his children travelled to Kerala and conveyed the family’s decision to authorities. Relatives said the family would remain in the state until their demands were addressed.

Reacting to the incident, Pinarayi Vijayan said strict action would be taken against those responsible. He announced that a special investigation team led by the Palakkad Superintendent of Police had been formed to probe the case and that the government would examine the issue of compensation.

The incident has also triggered political reactions. Leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) alleged that the killing reflected the spread of racial hatred. Kerala minister MB Rajesh said branding the victim as Bangladeshi and assaulting him was indicative of divisive thinking, while accusing sections of the media of downplaying the incident.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and that all aspects of the case are being examined.