Thamarassery: In connection with the murder of Class X student Shahbaz, the police on Wednesday stated that not only those directly involved in the crime but also individuals, including students and adults, who conspired through social media or other means, will be arrested.

Police have confirmed that they are collecting more digital evidence to trace the extent of the conspiracy. In addition to analysing footage of the violence, they have already reviewed CCTV recordings from the area before and after the incident, as well as statements from witnesses present at the scene. Most of those directly responsible for the crime have been identified.

The police have also obtained CCTV footage showing a group of students dressed in black shirts gathering near a mall in Thamarassery at 6:50 pm after Shahbaz was taken home by a friend on a scooter following the attack. According to reports, mall employees and other people intervened and dispersed the group, who had allegedly attempted to incite further violence with weapons.

Social media and messaging groups under investigation

Investigators are examining Instagram accounts and private groups to identify those who contributed to the conspiracy through social media messages. Police have already collected information regarding voice messages exchanged within Instagram groups from both sides involved in the crime.

Mobile phones used by students to send messages have been seized, and all available digital evidence will undergo scientific examination by experts. The police have warned that if it is proven that they encouraged violence, legal action will be taken against them. Along with the group admins, those who sent messages inciting violence will also be held accountable.

If the investigation confirms that messages played a role in planning the violence, those responsible will be formally charged in the coming days.

Scientific examination to unravel planning

The police hope to gain a clear understanding of how the crime was planned by thoroughly examining Instagram accounts and voice messages exchanged between students and even parents. Evidence from student conversations within the group that attacked Shahbaz suggests that the conflict and brutal murder were preplanned.