Mananthavadi : We expect justice to be served, said mother of tribal youth Madhu who was lynched to death over a few food items found in his possession. The government stands by our side; all the people are with us; Such fate must not befall any family; I have full faith in the judiciary, said mother Malli. Madhu’s sister said, they have run pillar to post for this case and that the verdict is hoped to be fruit for such ordeal
The Special Court in Manathavadi, where the deceased tribal belonged, is slated to pronounce verdict in the case on 4 April There are 16 accused in the case.
The lynching: On 23 May, 2018 a few men from Mananthvadi village ganged up against Madhu, a mentally unstable tribal youth, tied and beat him up for what they said was stealing grocery from shop. Madhu mostly kept to himself inside the forest and ventured to the village only on lookout for food ocassionally. When tied and tortured by self-styled cops, Madhu was rescued by police who learned of the incident. However, Madhu died inside police jeep on way to hospital, from injuries he sustained in the attack. The lynching of a poor tribal for having a pack of rice and a couple of basic grocery, outraged communities across the country.
