Priyanka Gandhi said authorities should ensure strict action against the accused (File)
Wayanad:
In an unfortunate incident, tourists in Kerala’s Wayanad dragged a tribal man on the car’s bonnet following a verbal duel between two groups with Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi calling for strict action against the accused.
Mathan, the tribesman, was a bystander when the two groups of tourists at the Koodal Kadavu check dam engaged in a verbal duel. When Mathan interrogated the perpetrators, he was taken to task by one of the groups.
Mathan, a resident of Mananthavady in the hilly district of Wayanad, was dragged nearly half a kilometer along the road by the tourists.
CCTV footage of the incident has also gone viral on social media showing the inhumane manner in which Mathan (49) was dragged on the road.
Later, Mathan told the media at the hospital that he suffered injuries to his hands and legs. “One of the occupants of the car held my hand when I was sitting on the hood of the car,” he said.
The police have registered a case and also seized the car used in the crime. However, the police have not yet arrested the accused.
Meanwhile, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi said the authorities should ensure that strict action should be taken against the accused.
“Kerala government should ensure speedy justice in the case and strict action should be taken against them,” the Wayanad MP said.
Kerala Minister for SC, ST & BC Minister OR Kelu, a tribal himself and hails from Wayanad said that this is a very serious matter and the authorities will take action soon.
He also informed that the victim would get all the medical facilities.
Former Minister of State for SC/ST and current Lok Sabha member K. Radhakrishnan said these things generally do not take place in Kerala.
“Just because someone has money, they cannot be allowed to get away and the law should catch up with them,” Radhakrishnan said.
Wayanad MLA T. Siddique said this is the sad condition tribals in Kerala are being treated under the present state government. “This is not acceptable and action will be taken against the perpetrators,” Siddique said.
Popular tribal leader CK Janu said this is a serious matter as it is very unfortunate to see how a human being was treated.
“The tourists are under the influence of liquor and drugs. The perpetrators should be jailed as soon as possible,” Janu said.
At the same time, the police have identified those behind the incident and are expected to be taken into custody shortly.
(Other than the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
