Palakkad: The police on Friday arrested two persons in connection with the death of tribal youth Madhu Chindaki, 30, on Thursday in Attappadi amid protests raging across the state against the mob-lynching. The police took into custody Jaleel and K. Husaain, the owner of the grocery shop from where Madhu allegedly stole the rice and chili powder, for allegedly thrashing the youth. Both are residents of Mukkali in Agali police station limits.
Madhu had in his statement to the police after the mob handed him over to them said he had been brutally beaten up after being picked up from the forest. The statement also gave the details including the address and phone numbers of persons who informed the cops about catching hold of Madhu from the forest and handed him over to cops at Mukkali junction on Thursday afternoon.
“The arrested persons are said to have involved in the assault on the victim after picking him up from the foothills of Malleswaramudi in Attappadi forest (which is 8 km away from the Mukkali),” Thrisssur range IG M.R. Ajith Kumar, who is supervising the investigation, said on Friday. “Five others have been detained and their arrest will be recorded after confirming their involvement in the incident. As many as 14 others who went to the forest for capturing the victim have been indentified and are under observation.” Meanwhile, minister for SC/ST development A.K. Balan said the government will conduct a magisterial inquiry into the death and has entrusted Mannarkkad Tahasildar for this.
