A 31-year-old migrant worker from Chhattisgarh, Ramnarayan, was beaten to death by a mob in Kizhakeattappallam near Walayar on Wednesday evening, allegedly after being accused of theft and mistakenly identified as a Bangladeshi national. Kerala Local Self-Government Minister MB Rajesh condemned the killing as "highly condemnable," attributing it to the "politics of hate" propagated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Sangh Parivar across the country. He claimed four of the five arrested suspects are RSS workers with prior criminal records, including an attempt to murder a CPM leader. The incident has sparked political outrage and demands for justice in a state known for its progressive social fabric.

Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the lynching, with police revealing brutal details from the post-mortem examination. The victim's body showed over 40 injuries, including severe head trauma, multiple grievous wounds, and signs of prolonged torture, such as being beaten with heavy sticks, kicked, dragged, and stomped on the face and back. Medical reports cited profuse bleeding as the primary cause of death. Witnesses who tried to intervene were reportedly threatened and driven away, highlighting the mob's aggression.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured strict action, stating that a special investigation team led by the Palakkad Superintendent of Police is probing all aspects of the case. He emphasised that such acts are unacceptable and tarnish the state's reputation, vowing justice for Ramnarayan's family. The opposition Congress and the victim's relatives have demanded compensation of Rs 25 lakh and invocation of stringent laws, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Ramnarayan's brother initially refused to accept the body until these demands were met.

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The case has intensified political debates, with the ruling Left Democratic Front linking it to broader narratives of hate against migrants. Kerala has long relied on workers from other states for labour-intensive sectors, making incidents of violence against them particularly sensitive. Authorities are examining potential communal or xenophobic motives behind the misidentification of the victim as Bangladeshi.

As investigations continue, the tragedy underscores growing concerns over mob violence and the need for stronger community awareness. Human rights groups have called for swift prosecution to deter similar incidents. The state government faces pressure to ensure accountability while addressing underlying social tensions in migrant-heavy areas.

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