Mananthavady: A tribal man was dragged for approximately 500 meters along the road by tourists in a Maruti Swift car on the Mananthavady-Pulpally stretch near Payyampalli on Sunday afternoon, prompting police to register a case.
The prime accused has been identified as Arshid, a native of Kaniyampatta in Wayanad. Three of his friends were also involved in the incident. The vehicle, seized from the house of Arshid’s relative, was reportedly hidden there without the family’s knowledge.
Incident Details
The altercation began at a check dam in Koodalkadavu, where a clash broke out between two groups of tourists. When locals attempted to mediate, one tourist tried to assault a local resident. Mathan, a 40-year-old tribal man from Koodalkadavu, intervened, angering the tourists. As they fled, one tourist grabbed Mathan by the hand, dragging him alongside the car while another drove.
Mathan sustained severe leg injuries and was admitted to the Government Medical College. Two other locals were also injured during the scuffle. According to witnesses, the tourists appeared intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. The group released Mathan only after onlookers raised an alarm.
Police Action
The car involved, with a Malappuram registration number (KL 52 H 8733), is owned by Muhammed Saif of Kuttippuram. Police have intensified surveillance around resorts and homestays in the area, suspecting the vehicle may still be hidden nearby. CCTV footage from local shops and border checkposts has been collected to track the culprits.
Mananthavady Inspector Sunil Gopi confirmed that a case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), including:
Section 296B: Causing public nuisance.
Section 110(3): Culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Section 352: Provocation.
Section 126: Wrongful restraint.
Section 115: Causing intentional harm.
A statement from Mathan was recorded at the hospital, and authorities have assured swift action to apprehend the accused.
Community Outrage
The incident has sparked protests from tribal organizations demanding stringent action against the perpetrators.
Kerala’s Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Communities, OR Kelu, condemned the attack, instructing the Wayanad Superintendent of Police to take immediate action. “Such heinous acts not only harm individuals but also damage the reputation of Wayanad as a tourist destination,” he stated.
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) also intervened, calling the incident a gross violation of human rights. Judicial member K Baijunath has directed the Superintendent of Police to submit a detailed report at the earliest.
The investigation continues, with authorities expressing confidence in apprehending the suspects and ensuring justice for the victim.
