Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared a compensation package of Rs 30 lakh for the family of Ram Narayan, a migrant worker from Chhattisgarh who was fatally attacked by a mob in Walayar, Palakkad district. The announcement came after the weekly cabinet meeting chaired by CM Vijayan. The compensation includes Rs 5 lakh each for Ram Narayan’s mother and wife as immediate aid, with Rs 20 lakh earmarked for his children for long-term financial security from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.
The state had made arrangements to airlift the deceased worker’s body back to his home state. Following the tragic incident, CM Vijayan promised justice for the victim’s family and vowed strict action against the perpetrators. A special investigation team, led by the Palakkad Superintendent of Police, is probing the case and has been directed to swiftly pursue legal action. Vijayan condemned the lynching, emphasizing that such acts tarnish Kerala’s reputation as a progressive society and called for increased vigilance to prevent similar occurrences.
The severity of the crime was highlighted in the remand report, revealing that the attackers brutally assaulted Ram Narayan with the intent to kill, inflicting over 40 injuries, including severe head trauma and multiple wounds. Medical examinations indicated prolonged torture, with evidence suggesting the victim was subjected to sustained violence. Seven individuals with prior criminal records have been apprehended in connection with the incident.
