Muthalamada resort owner held for locking up tribal man

The owner of a resort at Muthalamada in Palakkad was arrested by the police in connection with the illegal detention of a tribal labourer for allegedly drinking liquor that he found at the resort.

Police on Saturday held Ranganayaki alias Pappathi for locking up Vellayan, 54, for six days. Vellayan was rescued by the police in the early hours of Friday following the intervention of a group of Dalit activists.

Her son Prabhu, who manages the resort, has been absconding. Police said Pappathi and Prabhu had assaulted Vellayan and detained him without giving proper food.

Police said they were investigating the case. Meanwhile, another worker who tipped the Dalit activists of the illegal detention of Vellayan has been missing.