Fatal Head Injuries and Internal Bleeding Confirmed in Postmortem Report

A shocking case of fatal assault has emerged from Kerala's Kozhikode district, where 16-year-old Muhammed Shahabas lost his life after sustaining severe injuries in a violent attack. The postmortem report has confirmed that Shahabas suffered a skull fracture below his right ear, deep wounds on his nose and under his left eye, along with significant bruising. The trauma to his chest also resulted in internal bleeding, ultimately proving fatal.

Attack Stems from a Tuition Centre Clash

The tragic incident originated from a heated dispute linked to a farewell party at a tuition centre in Thamarassery. Though Shahabas was not a student there, he became an unfortunate victim of the conflict. According to police, the attackers allegedly used a nunchuck—a weapon primarily associated with martial arts—to strike his head, causing critical injuries.

Shahabas Succumbs to Injuries After Days in ICU

Following the attack, Shahabas was immediately taken to Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, where he was placed in the intensive care unit. Unfortunately, despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries at around 1 AM on Saturday.

In response, the police took five students into custody on charges of murder. They were later presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. Authorities have hinted at the possibility of more individuals being involved and are continuing their investigation.

Large Gathering Pays Final Respects

Shahabas’s body was transported to his ancestral home at 3 PM following the postmortem at Kozhikode Medical College. His remains were kept for public viewing before burial, as hundreds of relatives, friends, and locals gathered to mourn his tragic death.

Social Media Rivalry Escalates Into Violence

According to police reports, tensions began during a dance performance at the farewell event. Students from Thamarassery Government Vocational Higher Secondary School allegedly mocked those from MJ Higher Secondary School, leading to heated arguments. The conflict escalated over the following days, with students from both schools making provocative social media posts on Instagram.

On February 27, a confrontation took place on Vezhuppur Road in Thamarassery, where nearly 15 students, including Shahabas, faced off against the opposing group. The altercation turned violent around 5 PM, leading to the deadly assault.

Delayed Medical Attention Proves Fatal

Initially, Shahabas’s injuries did not appear critical. He was first taken to Thamarassery Taluk Hospital and later sent home. However, as his condition worsened, he was rushed to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, where he slipped into a coma before passing away.

Case Upgraded to Murder Charges

Following Shahabas’s death, the police upgraded the charges against the accused to murder. His father formally filed a complaint, prompting authorities to take swift action. The parents of the detained students have been instructed to present them before the Juvenile Justice Board for further legal proceedings.

Government Orders High-Level Investigation

Kerala’s Education Minister, V Sivankutty, has called for a detailed departmental inquiry into the tragic incident. The Director of Public Education has also ordered a thorough probe. Meanwhile, Union Minister Suresh Gopi has stressed the need for collective social responsibility, saying, "Cinema may have some influence, but it's crucial that we guide our youth in the right direction."

This horrific incident serves as a grim reminder of how unchecked aggression and peer conflicts can spiral into deadly violence. Authorities continue their investigation to ensure justice is served for Muhammed Shahabas.