Centre Seeks Report on Lynching of Tribal Man in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The Centre today sought a report from the Kerala government over lynching to death of a tribal man for allegedly stealing articles from some shops at Agali in Palakkad district.
Union Tribal Affairs minister Jual Oram said a report has been sought from the state chief secretary over the death of the man, hailing from Attappady, one of the most backward tribal settlements in the state, on Thursday. “Our ministry has sought a report from the chief secretary about the incident and the action taken by the state government,” the minister told a television channel.
The state government decided to provide a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the family of the tribal man, Madhu, who was beaten to death by a group of persons for allegedly stealing food articles from some shops in the forest-fringe Agali town. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today directed the chief secretary to hand over the amount to Madhu’s family at the earliest.
Madhu, who was said to be mentally unsound, was living in a cave in the forest for the past several months, his family said. His mother, Mallika and sister Chandrika told television channels that a group of nearly 10-15 persons went to the forest and thrashed him.
“After being beaten up, Madhu was made to walk over four km with a heavy sack on his back,” they alleged. When he asked for water, he was mocked at, they alleged, quoting eye-witnesses.
They also alleged that some forest officials had allowed the local people to go to the area and attack the tribal. The Opposition Congress and BJP are observing a “hartal” at Mannarcaud taluk, under which Attappady falls.
The “hartal” has so far been peaceful. The shops have downed shutters, while vehicles are plying. Tribal activists staged a protest this morning, blocking traffic in Attapady.
Activists of various tribal outfits staged a protest yesterday, demanding the arrest of all the culprits.