Centre seeks report on lynching of tribal man
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Thiruvananthapuram: The Centre Saturday 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 Madhu, 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.
Madhu was beaten to death by a group of persons for allegedly stealing food articles from some shops in the forest-fringe Agali town.
His family has 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.