India, Dec. 22 -- The Kerala government on Monday vowed strict action in the death of a Chhattisgarh native who was allegedly lynched last week in Palakkad after being mistaken to be a thief.

Ramnarayan (31), was allegedly beaten to death on Wednesday after being accused of involvement in theft at Kizhakeattappallam near Walayar in Palakkad district, according to PTI news agency.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday promised justice to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as "deeply disturbing".

Assuring justice to his family members, who were in Kerala on Monday, the chief said such acts tarnish the reputation of a progressive society like Kerala and are completely unacceptable, PTI reported.

In a statement...