Police confirm murder of Class 10 student in Kerala was pre-planned

KOZHIKODE: The police investigation revealed that the Class 10 student's murder in Thamarassery was a well-orchestrated incident. "Conversations from the students' WhatsApp group indicate that the attack was premeditated," a senior police officer informed the media.
The officer indicated that an evaluation of the accused students' psychological condition post-incident is necessary.
Police officials conducted house searches to locate the weapon used in the incident. They continue their investigation of the students' mobile devices, WhatsApp groups and Instagram profiles.
The investigation team is also looking into possible adult involvement in the incident.
Police investigations have intensified following information about the primary accused's father's alleged connections to quotation gangs and smuggling operations.
Separately, Iqbal, the deceased student's father, voiced his concerns regarding the permission granted to the accused students to appear for their SSLC examinations.
His statement came in response to the authorities' decision allowing the five accused to write their examinations from the juvenile facility.
Iqbal expressed that permitting murder accused to participate in examinations could potentially encourage violent behaviour among children.
"They should have been barred from exams for a year and allowed to appear next year instead. Permitting them to write the exams now sends a message that no matter what they do, there will be no real consequences," he said.
Initially, arrangements were made for the five accused to appear for their exams at a school in Thamarassery.
Following objections raised by KSU, Youth Congress, and Muslim Students Federation (MSF) activists, the examinations took place inside the juvenile home situated at Vellimadukunnu in the vicinity.
Kerala student clash: What happened to Mohammed Shahbaz?
15-year-old Mohammed Shahbaz, a Class X student from MJHSS Elettil, was attacked near a tuition center in Thamarassery on Thursday evening, allegedly by students from Thamarassery GHS, Korangad, following a previous altercation at a farewell event. He sustained a head injury and died early Saturday at Kozhikode Govt Medical College Hospital.
Authorities recovered a nunchuck used in the attack and seized mobile phones from the homes of five accused students, who were later presented before the juvenile justice board.
Shahbaz’s father, Iqbal, fears political influence may shield the culprits, alleging that some of their parents have criminal backgrounds. He also raised concerns about rising intoxicant abuse in Thamarassery.
Meanwhile, police suspect social media was used to incite the attack.
Shahbaz’s family took him to the hospital after noticing his deteriorating condition, but he did not survive.