Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday denied bail to five juveniles arrested in connection with the murder of a 15-year-old Class 10 student. Shahabaz, a student from Thamarassery in Kozhikode, was allegedly attacked by his peers, leading to fatal injuries.
The five juveniles have been charged with murder, wrongful restraint, unlawful assembly, and voluntarily causing grave injuries. All five have been in judicial custody for the past 56 days.
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In its ruling, the court emphasised the victim’s young age and expressed its reluctance to grant bail. It noted that the Juvenile Justice Act aims to protect children in conflict with the law but must balance this with the need for justice for victims and the societal interest.
"Moreover, in the present cases, a minor aged 15 years was murdered. It is noteworthy that the Juvenile Justice Act aims not only to take care of the children in conflict with the law but also to address the needs and welfare of all juveniles. The objective must be balanced with the need to ensure justice for victims and the broader societal interest," it said.
Shahabaz, a student at MJ Higher Secondary School in Thamarassery, succumbed to his injuries on March 1 after a violent clash between his schoolmates and students from Thamarassery GVHSS. The incident occurred after a dispute during a farewell event at a local tuition centre in late February.
Despite teachers attempting to de-escalate the situation through WhatsApp messages, tensions rose, leading to a violent confrontation. Shahabaz suffered serious head injuries, which ultimately caused his death.
Police pressed murder charges against the five and stated that the accused used weapons, including a truncheon and a nunchaku, for the attack on Shahabaz.
Though Shahabaz was not a student at the tuition centre, he was called to the venue while running an errand.
Following the attack, he was taken home by a friend. Initially unaware of the attack, his family suspected drug use when they found him in a weak state at home.
Upon learning the truth, he was rushed to Thamarassery Taluk Hospital and later shifted to Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, where he passed away.
IANS
Published: 25 Apr 2025, 05:05 pm IST
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