Abhiram murder: 17-year-old suspect alters statement amid protests, clashes in Thiruvananthapuram

Sreekariyam (Thiruvananthapuram): The city of Thiruvananthapuram remains in shock after a teenage conflict linked to a girl led to the murder of 17-year-old plus-two student Abhiram M D. Following the discovery of his body, hundreds of local residents gathered late into the night at both the desolate site near the Peroor Anganwadi in Pangappara and the local police station, as inquest procedures continued.

Relatives of the victim expressed outrage at the Sreekariyam police, accusing them of gross negligence. According to family members, the police initially detained the 17-year-old suspect on Sunday night following a missing person complaint, only to release him shortly after. It was only after Abhiram's body was discovered on Monday evening and family members staged a protest that the suspect was taken into custody once again.

The police have launched an extensive investigation to ascertain the precise sequence of events. In one of his statements, another suspect, a local offender named Umar, reportedly claimed that Abhiram was kicked in the chest, strangled at a different location and subsequently bundled into a sack before being dumped at the site.

A premeditated crime

Police investigation suggests that the killing of Abhiram, a Class 11 student, was the outcome of a film-like plot executed over several weeks by a group of friends. The primary suspect, a 17-year-old friend of the girl, allegedly devised the plan under the suspicion that Abhiram was in a relationship with her.

The tragedy unfolded on Sunday afternoon following a single message sent to Abhiram's Instagram account from the girl's profile. Believing he was urgently needed, Abhiram left home, unaware he was walking into a trap. Upon his arrival at the Pangappara bus stop, the 17-year-old suspect and an accomplice escorted him to a secluded banana plantation along the pathway to the Peroor Anganwadi.

Following an altercation at the plantation, Abhiram was allegedly strangled using a belt. Once he collapsed and ceased breathing, his body was stuffed into a sack, pushed into a overgrown slope nearby and covered with dry leaves. Investigators are continuing to examine whether the murder was committed at the plantation or executed elsewhere prior to the body being discarded there.

Prompted by the family's missing person report, police tracked phone calls and social media messages, leading them to the suspects within hours. The recovery of the body was made possible after the detained 17-year-old confessed to the crime. Preliminary findings indicate that Umar assisted the main suspect during the attack. Sreekariyam police has questioned approximately 10 persons, securing crucial leads, while extending their inquiry to other close associates of the prime suspect.

Local protests and violent clashes

Tensions escalated dramatically as local residents and relatives marched to the Sreekariyam police station, alleging that officers had released suspects, including the girl involved in the case. An attempt was made to attack a police vehicle near the station premises, prompting the deployment of substantial police reinforcements to control the volatile situation.

At around 10 pm, as police officers brought the helmet-wearing 17-year-old suspect out in a jeep for evidence gathering, protestors blocked the vehicle and attempted to attack him. Police forces had to use force to disperse the crowd blocking the road before the vehicle could proceed. Security measures and precautionary deployments have since been intensified across the station limits.

Contradictory statements

During late-night questioning, the detained 17-year-old reportedly altered his statement to the police. He subsequently claimed that there was no initial intention to kill Abhiram, and that the trap had been set for another friend who had been frequently messaging the girl. According to his revised statement, Abhiram was killed during an unexpected confrontation that escalated. Police officials stated that these conflicting claims are being thoroughly evaluated as the investigation proceeds.