An adivasi youth Madhu (27) was beaten to death by settlers in the Adivasi heartland of Attapady, Kerala, for allegedly stealing food.

The murderers took selfies with the victim and posted on social media.

He was severely beaten on suspicion of stealing some rice from a provision store. After catching hold of him, the mob severely trashed him and then handed him over to the police. The police who found that he was unwell as he vomited rushed him to Agali government Hospital. However, he fell unconscious even before reaching the hospital. Police officials in Agali said they were in search of seven men.

Madhu hails from the Kadukumannu Adivasi colony in Attappadi.

Attappadi is an Adivasi heartland of Kerala. However due to malnutrition and starvation hundreds of Adivasi children have died in recent years.

The Adivasi population of Attappadi dwindled to around 30 % at present from 90 % in 1951. Most of the Adivasi land has been encroached by the settlers from the plains. It is believed that the same settler population thrashed Madhu to death.