‘Assault’ on family in Kerala’s Vagamon rekindles tourist safety concerns

Intensifying concerns over the safety of tourists visiting Idukki’s hill destinations, a family from Erattupetta was allegedly attacked by a group of men during a trip to Vagamon in kerala. A video of the assault, which surfaced on social media on Monday night, has since gone viral and sparked widespread outrage.

The incident occurred on May 24 when the family of Shereef Veliyath, a resident of Erattupetta, was returning from a leisure trip to Vagamon in two cars. According to the complaint, the assault took place around 11 pm when a group of locals on motorcycles allegedly intercepted one of the vehicles, driven by Shereef’s son, Sadikh. Accusing him of violating a one-way traffic rule, the group allegedly launched a violent attack using sticks.

A video of the incident also shows the assailants verbally abusing and attempting to attack the women travelling in the vehicle.

Changes against police

Though a complaint was lodged with the Vagamon police, the family has accused the local police of initially refusing to register a case. In his complaint, Shereef also alleged that the assailants attacked his differently abled daughter, besides other women in the group.

The police said a case has since been registered based on the statements of the complainants. While the accused have been identified, no arrests have been made so far.

Meanwhile, Erattupetta municipal chairman V. Nasar and Poonjar MLA Sebastian M.J. have intervened in the matter, demanding stringent action against those responsible.

“This is the second such incident to be reported from the Vagamon region within a month. Despite being well aware of their criminal antecedents, the police appear to be siding with the culprits. Efforts are also being made at the ministerial level to ensure that those responsible are arrested,” said Mr. Nasar.

The incident comes close on the heels of repeated attacks on tourists reported from Munnar Top Station and has reignited concerns over visitor safety in Idukki’s tourism hotspots. Several people have also taken to social media alleging rude behaviour and harassment of visitors in Vagamon.