Assault on youths highlights growing vigilantism in Perumbavoor amid anti-drug crackdown

The alleged assault on three youths by a group of residents in Perumbavoor on suspicion of drug peddling has raised concerns about vigilantism.

The police on Thursday (July 9,2 026) arrested six persons in connection with the incident, which occurred at Kandanthara near Bhai Colony on Wednesday (July 8, 2026). The arrested have been identified as Sajid C.S., 54, Mahimkutty K.P., 42, Shameer P.V., 46, Shareef K.A., 54, Rafeeq Moideen, 57 and Anwar K.A., 50, all natives of Perumbavoor.

The youths — Gokul Deepak, 18, of Marampilly; Alvin Shaji, 20, of Kandanthara; and Muhammed Alfas, 20, of Manjappetty — were allegedly assaulted, stripped, publicly humiliated and forcibly tonsured by a mob, which accused them of supplying ganja to a schoolboy. The youths were put through a public trial on the premises and inside a soda factory, according to the first information report.

The accused have been booked on charges including unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful confinement, use of criminal force and criminal intimidation.

The episode comes amid growing concerns over self-styled anti-drug squads and social media personalities conducting public “raids” targeting migrant workers. Several YouTubers and online influencers have uploaded videos in which they question and search migrant labourers, claiming to expose drug networks in the wake of the police’s Statewide anti-narcotic drive, Operation Toofan.

In one such video, a man was seen carrying a cane and threatening migrant workers, including women, on suspicion of engaging in prostitution.

The police, meanwhile, said private individuals or groups will not be allowed to take law into their hands in the name of the anti-drug drive.

“We have come across videos showing private individuals searching and intimidating migrant workers. In the latest case, the victims came forward and filed a complaint because they are local residents and aware of their rights. Unaware of their rights, the migrant workers rarely come forward to file complaints, a police officer said.

Hayrunisa Naseer, the councillor representing the ward including the Sunday Market frequented by migrant labourers, said acts of vigilantism by local residents or others would not be tolerated under any circumstance.