Shiju reportedly fell in front of a milk pickup van, but the driver and cleaner accused him of deliberate obstruction. The duo allegedly tied him to a post, assaulted him, and fled
Published May 27, 2025 | 9:11 PM ⚊ Updated May 27, 2025 | 9:11 PM
Tribal youth tied to post and assaulted near Attappadi; case under SC/ST Act likely
Synopsis: A 20-year-old tribal youth, Shiju from Chittoor, was allegedly assaulted and tied to an electric post by a milk van driver and cleaner near Agali, Attappadi, on 24 May. The incident followed an altercation after Shiju reportedly fell in front of the vehicle. He was injured and hospitalized. Police have recorded his statement and are preparing to file an FIR.
A 20-year-old tribal youth, Shiju from Chittoor, was allegedly assaulted and tied to an electricity post by a milk van driver and cleaner near Agali in Attappadi on 24 May, following a heated altercation.
According to initial reports, Shiju accidentally fell in front of the milk pickup vehicle. However, the driver and cleaner accused him of jumping deliberately to obstruct the vehicle.
The argument escalated, and the two men allegedly dragged Shiju, tied him to a post, and assaulted him. He sustained injuries and was admitted to Kottathara Hospital.
A 20-year-old tribal youth named Shiju from Chittoor was beaten and tied to an electricity post after an altercation with the driver and cleaner of a milk pickup van near Agali, Attappadi on the 24th.
Shiju reportedly fell accidentally in front of the vehicle, but the driver… pic.twitter.com/GADdp1erke
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) May 27, 2025
The police have recorded Shiju’s statement and confirmed that an FIR will be registered soon. The Agali Station House Officer told South First that charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act are likely, given the victim’s tribal status.
A special team has been constituted, and a DySP-rank officer will lead the investigation.
Meanwhile, the milk van driver has filed a counter-complaint, alleging that Shiju, who was intoxicated, obstructed the vehicle’s path.
Officials at the DySP office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and statements from both sides have been collected.
When South First contacted Chittur panchayat member Nithya Shiju, she stated that no one from the public tried to stop the violence. She added that, their house is located near a roadside curve, and the victim had accidentally fallen in front of a vehicle.
However, when South First spoke to Venu, Shiju’s father, he alleged that his son was assaulted, stripped in public, and tied to an electric post. “No one should be treated like this,” he said.
Chithra, Shiju’s sister, said that police only recorded their statement in the afternoon.
“He has severe injuries in his eyes and throat and hasn’t been able to eat due to the pain,” she added. The doctors have not yet confirmed when he will be discharged. His mother is currently staying with him in the hospital
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
