A shocking incident of alleged public torture has been reported from Kerala’s Alappuzha district, where a 64-year-old man identified as Vijayan was allegedly stripped, tied to a coconut tree with his own mundu (the Kerala dhothi) and brutally assaulted by a group led by his neighbour Sattar.
The police have registered cases against Sattar and five others. A case was already pending against them for allegedly attacking Vijayan earlier. Reports suggest that the inhuman torture was an act of revenge for filing a police complaint against them. The accused allegedly reached Vijayan’s house, dragged him to the courtyard of Sattar’s house and began physically assaulting him.
Hindu Aikyavedi, a Kerala-based pro-Hindu organisation, strongly criticised the criminal act and described the incident as shocking and deplorable, claiming that it was “worse than Taliban”.
The organisation stated that the Panavalli incident reflects the real atmosphere prevailing in the state.
Hindu Aikyavedi also referred to the Indian Union Muslim League’s victory march in Tirur, Malappuram district, following the Assembly election results, during which a goat was allegedly butchered as a symbol of anger against failed LDF candidate K.T. Jaleel.
According to the organisation, a picture of Jaleel had been tied around the goat’s neck during the march. Hindu Aikyavedi claimed that both incidents shared several similarities.
The organisation further pointed out that even women were allegedly involved in the attack on Vijayan and described the accused as habitual criminals. Hindu Aikyavedi demanded stringent action against the accused, warning that it would launch strong protests seeking justice if strict measures were not taken.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) have often alleged a breakdown of law and order in BJP-ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. However, the Vijayan incident has once again raised serious questions over the law and order situation in Kerala.
