Kollam: The city of Kollam was left in shock on Monday night following a brutal murder and a subsequent suicide. The incident began when a college student was stabbed during a home invasion in Uliyakovil, near the city. The victim, Febin, a degree student at Fatima Mata National College, succumbed to his injuries. His father, who was also stabbed, is currently hospitalised. Shortly after this tragic event, a young man reportedly died by suicide by jumping in front of a train at Chemmanmukku, near the city. Police later identified the deceased as the suspected assailant in Febin's murder, based on bloodstains found in a car parked nearby.

The investigation revealed a tale of vengeance. The assailant, dressed in a black, burqa-like garment with his face covered, entered the house armed with petrol. Neighbours reported hearing commotion and seeing someone fleeing from Febin's house. Febin, after being stabbed, ran out and collapsed on the road, where locals discovered him. Within an hour, news broke of the young man's suicide by train. The connection between the two incidents left residents and the city in disbelief.

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Febin was described by all who knew him as a kind and hardworking individual. A BCA student at Fatima Mata College, he worked part-time delivering food after classes. His family, including his father George Gomez, mother Daisy, and sister (a bank employee in Kozhikode), lived happily in a home named "Flory Dale." George, a driver at Benziger Hospital, is currently undergoing emergency surgery for his injuries.

Police revealed that the assailant, Tejas, had a long-standing connection with Febin's family. Tejas and Febin's sister were college classmates and later prepared for bank exams together. While both took the exam, only Febin's sister secured a job. Tejas, despite passing the civil police officer exam, failed the physical test. This led to a rift between them, and Tejas had reportedly visited Febin's house multiple times to argue. He had also undergone counselling in the past.

Tejas arrived at Febin's house with two petrol cans, one of which he used to pour petrol at the scene. Police suspect his primary target was Febin's sister, who was not home at the time. The second petrol can was later found in his car. The knife used in the attack is believed to have been taken from the dining room of the house where the crime happened. 

The tragic events have left the community in mourning, with many struggling to comprehend the senseless violence that unfolded.