Revenue Minister K. Rajan on Monday assured that the State government would provide all possible protection and support to the family of Ram Narayan Baghel, migrant worker from Chhattisgarh, who was killed in a mob attack in Walayar.
The assurance came after a discussion with the victim’s family and representatives of an action council, held in the presence of District Collector Arjun Pandian and senior revenue officials here.
Addressing the media after the talks, the Minister described the incident as deeply shameful and said the government viewed Ram Narayan’s death with utmost seriousness. “This is an incident that has brought disrepute even beyond Kerala. The government is treating both the crime and the investigation with total seriousness,” he said.
The Minister said a special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted in accordance with the Supreme Court guidelines in the Tehseen Poonawalla case. Five persons had already been arrested, and the SIT would determine whether the crime involved caste-based or racial abuse.
“There will be no compromise in the investigation. Not a single person involved will be spared,” he said, adding that the probe would be thorough and uncompromising.
Mr. Rajan said the case was being handled by invoking Section 103(2) and other relevant provisions, including those relating to attacks on SC/ST communities, in line with Supreme Court directives. He added that the government had taken note of the action council’s demand for a sustained and rigorous investigation.
Referring to the Supreme Court directives issued on crimes against vulnerable communities, the Minister said the Chief Secretary had been entrusted with overseeing the implementation of the guidelines. He reiterated that the government viewed inter-State workers as “guest workers” and was committed to extending them the same protection and welfare measures available to local workers.
The Minister said the Cabinet would seriously consider providing financial assistance from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. “The demand for compensation of not less than ₹10 lakh has been noted with due seriousness and will be placed before the Cabinet to ensure appropriate assistance,” he said.
He said the District Collector had been directed to take charge of arrangements, including bearing full expenses for transporting the body to the victim’s native place.
Published – December 22, 2025 07:00 pm IST
