Kollam: A 21-year-old boy was brutally stabbed to death in Kollam, Kerala, on Monday evening, in a horrifying incident that culminated in the assailant taking his own life by jumping in front of a train. The victim, identified as Febin George Gomez, a resident of Uliyakovil in Kollam, was a degree student at Fatima Mata National College. The attacker, Tejas Raju, a native of Neendakara, allegedly entered Febin’s home, stabbed him, and injured his father, George Gomez, who tried to intervene. Despite being critically wounded, Febin attempted to chase his assailant but collapsed just 20 metres from his house.

Both bodies were later preserved in the district hospital mortuary, as the community grappled with the shocking turn of events.

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A mother’s anguish

Speaking to the media, Febin’s mother, Daisy, recounted the harrowing ordeal. “One of our relatives had visited us yesterday, so our dog was caged. We were all inside when the doorbell rang,” she said. “The perpetrator had his face covered and spilled something like petrol all over. My son tried to stop him, and in the struggle that followed, both my son and husband were stabbed.”

Daisy described how Febin, despite his injuries, ran after the attacker but collapsed on the road due to severe blood loss. “There were a few bikers who witnessed the scene, but no one came forward to help. Everyone has to think of their safety, right?” she added, her voice filled with grief.

Rejection that led to vengeance

Police investigations revealed that Tejas had a long-standing connection with Febin’s family. Tejas and Febin’s sister were college classmates, and their relationship had once progressed to the point of a marriage proposal, which was later called off. This rejection is believed to have driven Tejas to commit the gruesome crime.

The two had also prepared for bank exams together, but while Febin’s sister secured a job, Tejas failed the physical test for the civil police officer exam despite clearing the written component. This failure reportedly deepened the rift between them. Tejas had visited Febin’s house multiple times to argue and had even undergone counselling in the past.

A calculated attack

Tejas arrived at Febin’s house armed with two petrol cans. He poured petrol from one can at the scene, while the second was later found in his car. Police suspect that Febin’s sister was the primary target, but she was not home at the time. The knife used in the attack is believed to have been taken from the dining room of the house.

Community in mourning

The tragic events have left the community in a state of shock and mourning. Febin, described as a kind and hardworking individual, was pursuing a BCA degree and worked part-time delivering food after classes. His family, including his father George, mother Daisy, and sister (a bank employee in Kozhikode), lived in a home named “Flory Dale.” George, a driver at Benziger Hospital, is currently undergoing emergency surgery for his injuries.

A city in disbelief

The city of Kollam was left reeling as the details of the crime emerged. The assailant, dressed in a black, burqa-like garment with his face covered, had entered the house with clear intent. Neighbours reported hearing commotion and seeing someone flee the scene. Febin, after being stabbed, ran out and collapsed on the road, where locals found him. Within an hour, news spread of Tejas’s suicide by train, further deepening the tragedy.

The connection between the two incidents has left residents struggling to comprehend the senseless violence that unfolded. As the community mourns the loss of a promising young life, questions about the circumstances that led to such a brutal act remain unanswered. The investigation continues, with police working to piece together the full story behind this heartbreaking tragedy.