Abhiram murder: ‘Victim shared Insta account with a girl’; cops suspect more culprits as chats vanish

Thiruvananthapuram: The investigation team probing the murder of 17-year-old Plus One student Abhiram in Sreekaryam suspects that more individuals may be involved in the crime. Police have conducted searches at the residences of the currently accused trio – Abhiram’s 17-year-old friend, Umar Musthar and Anandha, an ITI student hailing from Manacaud.

The changing statements provided by the accused are causing major hurdles for the investigation team. Although the accused initially stated that Anandha was present at the crime scene, they later altered their statements. Police suspect this was done to protect Anandha. Similarly, false statements were initially given to shield Umar, a known offender. However, the police have not yet confirmed whether Anandha was physically present at the scene. It is understood that the police have nearly confirmed the involvement of a fourth person, believed to be a friend of Umar, who is thought to have known about the plan prior to the crime.

Both local residents and Abhiram’s family strongly allege the likelihood of additional accomplices. Suspicion has also arisen over the disappearance of Instagram chats from the victim’s phone, which is yet to be recovered. Investigations revealed that Abhiram shared his Instagram account with another girl, raising doubts about whether she deleted the messages. Clarity is expected once the investigation reaches her.

Abhiram was lured to the spot and murdered using messages sent from the phone of the accused, Anandha. Police have received indications that a double murder was originally planned under the leadership of the primary 17-year-old accused, targeting both Abhiram and his friend. However, only Abhiram fell into the trap. Police have gathered information from the friend who survived by not turning up at the location.

Police stated that a watertight investigation is underway under the supervision of the DCP (Law and Order) and led by the Kazhakkoottam Cyber City ACP, promising that a complete picture will emerge soon.

Heart-wrenching farewell to Abhiram

“My son Abhiram... who do we have left for support now...” -the agonising cries of the parents brought tears to the eyes of onlookers. A large crowd gathered to catch a final glimpse of the 17-year-old, who was brutally killed in Pangappara following an alleged romantic feud. Emotional scenes unfolded at his residence in Sangeetha Nagar, Pangappara, and at the Kazhakkoottam Shanthitheeram crematorium, as relatives and locals struggled to accept the loss.

The body, kept at a private hospital mortuary, was brought to his rented home around 10 am for public respects. Amidst overwhelming grief from relatives and friends, his mother, Dharmaja, wept inconsolably, “My son, why did you leave... who do we have now?”

Classmates and teachers who arrived to bid farewell also broke down. Abhiram's grandfather asserted through his tears that more people were behind the murder and that they would fight until justice is served.

Thousands of people, including locals and well-wishers, assembled at the house, making crowd management difficult. Around 12 pm, the body was taken in a funeral procession to the Kazhakkoottam Shanthitheeram crematorium, where the final rites were performed.

Elected representatives and prominent political and social figures arrived to pay their last respects, including CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, MLA V Muraleedharan, CPI state council member Pannyan Raveendran, former MLAs Kadakampally Surendran, V Sivankutty, Mangode Radhakrishnan and V K Prasanth.