100% literate Keralites, we all, should bow our heads in shame collectively for the incident that happened in Edappal (Malappuram district) on 7th Oct. It has tarnished God’s Own Countries widely acclaimed image, greatly. Now anyone can compare Kerala with Bihar, where people on basis of suspicion were burnt down by locals very recently.  

On that ill fated day, a pregnant woman and her girl child (said to be gypsies) were cruelly beaten by local mob on the basis of a suspicious larceny. They tried to remove her clothes, under the scorching sun.  

Shocked, the world witnessed the barbarian action on T.V channels. The cruel mob was being pleaded and told about her being pregnant, but that did not deter them from taking the law in their hands and punishing the souls for a theft which apparently was not committed by them. 

The chief-minister V.S. Achuthanandan ordered an immediate inquiry and human rights commission also came forward against those responsible for this inhuman act. Local police however behaved rudely to the woman. The two were taken to hospital and after a search police set them free.. Police didn’t handle the issue properly. 

It is understood that some people have been taken to custody on the matter. After some days, we will forget what happened in Edappal. But can we continue to be proud of Kerala’s noted culture, education, and forwardness, after this shameful incident? 

Theft, whether it is small or big, is undoubtedly a crime. But is it humane to punish a woman on the basis of a simple theft? How human beings can attack a pregnant, poor, woman, and her girl child while they were crying for their life and honour? 

It is a terrible situation. We must do such a thing, not even to an animal. Mob is powerful when assembled. They can challenge everything and act what they like. But this was a mind so cruel that such incidents have been only reported in the dreaded lawlessness of Bihar, so far. Looking at the gravity of the incident, one begins to think, what is the difference between a man and an animal? 

Those who have beaten these women, do not they have sisters? If they had remembered them, their good conscience would have dawned on them. If the locals had any doubt on them, they could have always called the police. With the help of women police, suspected could have been searched. Instead, the mob became the police. This is not fit for a democratic and developed society. PUBLIC has no right to punish their fellow beings. The court and jurisdiction will decide punishments.  

What is happening to Malayalees? They are becoming cruel and selfish. They lose wisdom when grouped as a mob. If things are going like this, we can’t be proud of God’s own country’s dignity. But let us not become 'devil’s own country' men without mercy, wisdom, foresight, and decency.  

Many cultural leaders came forward in protest of this incident. Shame Kerala,…Shame!