AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Sunday condemned the alleged mob lynching of a migrant worker from Chhattisgarh and accused the state government of failing to curb the spread of fear-driven narratives and rumours.

He called on the government to extend immediate and adequate compensation to the victim’s family, ensure the respectful transportation of the deceased’s mortal remains, and initiate strict action against everyone responsible for the crime. 

“We stand with the family in this hour of grief,” Venugopal said in a post on X. Describing the killing of Ramnarayan Bhayar in Palakkad as “beyond shocking”, the Congress leader said, “It is absolutely unacceptable that such violent forces take over and run amok.”

Referring to the 2018 lynching of tribal youth Madhu, the Alappuzha MP said, “it is deplorable how a society with a rich history of communal harmony like Kerala is seeing repeated instances of mob violence.”

Venugopal also criticised the state government’s response, alleging serious lapses in governance. “The Kerala Government has displayed a completely lackadaisical attitude in curbing the spread of fear-based propaganda and unchecked rumour-mongering. They must answer for the lack of timely action and their complete failure in managing the law and order situation in the state,” he said.

Bhayar, a native of Chhattisgarh, was allegedly beaten to death on Wednesday evening after being accused of theft at Kizhakeattappallam near Walayar. Police said five people have so far been arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of assault leading to Bhayar’s death.
(With PTI Inputs)