In a shocking incident in Palakkad, Kerala in India, a tribal youth was allegedly beaten to death by a violent mob.

Madhu, a 27-year-old who lived in a tribal colony in Attapady forest, was beaten under the suspicion that he was a thief. Madhu died inside the police van while being taken to the police station.

Following the incident, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemened the murder and said that civilised society will not tolerate such heinous acts. The police have so far detained eight and arrested two persons in connection with the incident, reports the India Today.

The shocking incident has triggered reactions from various quarters. Malayalam superstar Mammootty expressed grief in an emotional post on Facebook. The actor, in his post, said Madhu should not be called a tribal and that he was his brother. He added that the mob killed his brother.

On Thursday afternoon, a group of people caught Madhu, who was accused of stealing rice from a nearby store. The mob rounded him up and started questioning him. They stripped Madhu and tied his hands with his own bottom wear.

The video of the incident shows people frisking Madhu and checking his bag. A person can be seen beating Madhu from behind. Some people clicked selfies with Madhu.

Madhu was later handed over to the local police and died on the way to the policestation. According to local police, Madhu could have been suffering from mental illness.

Responding to the controversy, Kerala's minister for welfare of SC, ST and backward classes A K Balan said strict action will be taken against the offenders.

‘Three people have already been taken into custody and an investigation is underway. We cannot accept such incidents at any cost,’ said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in his Facebook post condemning the incident.

State police chief and DGP Lokanath Behra said, ‘We cannot let people take law into their hands’. Thrissur Range IG will be supervising the investigation, he said.

Following the shocking incident, some people have started a campaign on social media seeking justice for Madhu.