‘Attack’ on family in Kerala’s Vagamon reignites tourist safety concerns

View of the picturesque Vagamon hills (file) | Photo credit: VISHNU PRATHAP

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

The incident took place on May 24 when the family of Shereef Veliyath, a resident of Erattupetta, was returning in two cars from a recreational trip to Vagamon. According to the complaint, the ambush took place around 11:00 pm when a group of locals on motorcycles allegedly intercepted one of the vehicles driven by Shereef’s son Sadikh. The group accused him of violating the one-way traffic rule and allegedly launched a violent attack using sticks.

The video of the incident also shows the assailants verbally abusing and attempting to assault the female passengers in the vehicle.

Changes against the police

Although a complaint was lodged with the Vagamon police, the family blamed the local police for initially refusing to register the case. In his complaint, Shereef also alleged that the assailants assaulted his differently-abled daughter in addition to other women in the group.

Police said the case has since been registered based on the statements of the complainants. While the accused have been identified, they have not been arrested yet.

Meanwhile, Municipal Chairman Erattupetta V Nasar and Poonjar MLA Sebastian MJ intervened in the matter and demanded strict action against those responsible.

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

The incident comes in the wake of repeated attacks on tourists reported from Munnar Top Station and has rekindled concerns over the safety of visitors in the tourist hotspots of Idukki. Several people have also taken to social media alleging rude behavior and harassment of visitors at Vagamon.

Published – 02 Jun 2026 13:47 IST