Palakkad: The Kerala government has decided to provide Rs 30 lakh as financial assistance to the family of Ram Narayan, who was lynched by a mob in Walayar. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting. The family had sought compensation of Rs 25 lakh.
Police have invoked serious charges in connection with the caste-based killing in Walayar, Palakkad. The sections include mob lynching and provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Seven people have so far been arrested in the case. Police believe there are around 15 accused, including women. There are indications that the remaining suspects have fled the state, allegedly due to lapses in the initial investigation.
Meanwhile, the last rites of Ram Narayan Bahel were performed. His body was flown to Chhattisgarh early on Wednesday and reached his native place at dawn. A public viewing was held at his residence around 9 am.
The National Human Rights Commission has intervened in the matter and issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, seeking a detailed report within a week. The investigating officer has been directed to submit a preliminary report on the crime by Thursday. The statement of the complainant, Supreme Court advocate Subhash Theekadan, was recorded online by the investigating officials.