Thamarassery, Kerala — The five students accused of beating and murdering Class 10 student Shahbaz are scheduled to take their SSLC exams under police protection at the Vellimadukunnu juvenile home, due to mounting public protests and security concerns.
The tragic incident unfolded on Saturday when Shahbaz, a student at MJ Higher Secondary School, Elettil, was brutally assaulted by peers from GVHSS Thamarassery. The attack reportedly stemmed from tensions during a farewell party held at the Triz Institute, where the accused studied. Shahbaz succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, leaving his family and the local community devastated.
Initially, the exams for the accused were set to be held at their school, but as demonstrations erupted over the decision, local authorities swiftly shifted the venue for safety reasons. The Kozhikode NGO Quarters School was first named as the new exam center, but with protests looming, officials decided it was best to relocate the exams to the juvenile home itself.
On Monday morning, protests erupted outside the juvenile detention center as various organizations, including the Kerala Students Union (KSU), Muslim Students Federation (MSF), and Youth Congress joined forces against the perceived injustice of allowing the accused students to take their exams. Activists clashed with police, leading to tensions as demonstrators attempted to breach security measures.
The police reported several arrests, including prominent figures from the KSU, as they worked to maintain order outside the juvenile home. Protests featured impassioned chants and slogans expressing outrage over the perceived leniency of the justice system. "My son, who should have been writing the exam today, is lying six feet under. He was our hope. A student is banned for a year even for copying, but the murder accused will write the exam as if nothing happened," stated Shahbaz's father, who was visibly distressed and broken by the tragedy. "The authorities should have barred them from taking the exam for at least a year to set an example. My wife has been in deep distress ever since she heard this news."
Despite the intense atmosphere, the Kozhikode Juvenile Justice Board denied bail to the five suspects, ordering their transfer to the Government Observation Home for Boys at Vellimadukunnu until March 15, 2025. They were, nonetheless, permitted to appear for the SSLC exams under police escort, with full examination details submitted to the court. Heavy police presence was deployed to manage the situation, reflecting the volatility of public sentiment surrounding this case.
Shahbaz’s murder has raised questions about the culture of violence among students and the seeming disconnect between educational institutions and law enforcement. Many locals believe the tragic events highlight pressing social issues, calling for urgent reforms within schools and communities alike to address bullying and violence proactively.
This incident shines a light on the broader consequences of youth violence and the challenges authorities face when dealing with underage suspects. The community is grappling with grief and anger, desiring justice for Shahbaz, whose death has become synonymous with the fight against youth violence.
Both the educational and legal systems are now under scrutiny, as the incidents surrounding Shahbaz’s death prompt discussions about responsibilities, consequences, and the safeguards necessary to protect students. This case is likely to keep the issue of youth violence at the forefront of local discussions for the foreseeable future.
The SSLC exams for the accused will continue, but the impact of Shahbaz’s tragic death will resonate far beyond the examination hall as families and community members grapple with loss and seek justice.
The events surrounding this case are far from over, as community members eagerly await the next steps from law enforcement and the court, hoping for measures to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring and to provide justice for Shahbaz and his family.