A 54-year-old tribal man from the Eravallan community was allegedly confined, starved, and assaulted for nearly five days at an unlicensed private farm stay in Muthalamada, Palakkad district. The victim, Chambukkuzhi Vellayan, a daily wage labourer from Moochakundu, was rescued late Thursday night by local residents and police officials from the Kollengode station.
According to local authorities, Vellayan had gone to the property, Western Gateways, on August 17 seeking daily work. However, tensions reportedly escalated after he consumed liquor found on the premises, which allegedly enraged the owner, identified as Prabhu. In response, Prabhu and his employees are accused of detaining Vellayan, locking him inside a room, and subjecting him to repeated physical assault. He was reportedly given food only once a day during his confinement.
The abuse came to light when another tribal worker visited the farm stay and informed local Dalit activists and panchayat representatives. Acting swiftly, a group of residents led by elected members of the Muthalamada grama panchayat reached the property and discovered Vellayan locked inside. Police were called to the scene, and the victim was freed after the door was broken open.
Vellayan is currently receiving treatment at the Palakkad District Hospital. Authorities confirmed that the farm stay was operating without a valid licence. While the owner Prabhu and his staff have since absconded, police have taken Prabhu’s mother, Ranganayaki, into custody for questioning. “A case has been registered under attempt to murder and relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Efforts are on to trace the accused,” a senior police official said.
The incident has triggered outrage among tribal rights groups and activists, who have demanded immediate arrest of the culprits and stricter enforcement of protections for marginalised communities.
