Student dies in clash during farewell

A 15-year-old student, Mohammed Shahbaz, succumbed to injuries sustained during a violent altercation between students from two schools in Thamarassery, Kozhikode district, Kerala. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, highlights escalating tensions among local youths.
The conflict originated during a farewell event at a private tuition centre on February 23. A technical glitch interrupted a dance performance by students from MJ Higher Secondary School, Elettil, leading to a verbal spat with peers from Thamarassery Government Vocational Higher Secondary School . Despite intervention by teachers, the disagreement persisted, spilling over onto social media platforms in the following days.
On Thursday evening, tensions escalated into physical violence near a tea stall on Thamarassery-Vezhupur Road. Approximately 15 students from both schools, including Shahbaz, were involved. Witnesses reported that the confrontation intensified rapidly, with some participants allegedly wielding weapons, including nunchaku. Shahbaz sustained a severe head injury during the melee.
Following the altercation, Shahbaz was escorted home by friends who believed his injuries were minor, as there were no visible external wounds. However, he later exhibited symptoms such as vomiting and loss of consciousness. His family, initially unaware of the brawl, suspected possible substance use. Upon learning of the incident, they rushed him to Thamarassery Government Taluk Hospital. Due to the severity of his condition, he was transferred to the intensive care unit at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, where he was diagnosed with internal brain haemorrhaging and a fractured bone near his ear. Despite medical intervention, Shahbaz passed away early Saturday morning.
In the aftermath, five students from Thamarassery GVHSS were detained by the police. Given their minor status, they were presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and subsequently released on bail, with instructions to appear for further proceedings. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities examining the involvement of external individuals in the assault, as alleged by Shahbaz's relatives.
Disturbingly, social media exchanges among the accused have surfaced, revealing a lack of remorse. Messages included threats and indifferent remarks about the potential fatality of the victim, sparking public outrage and calls for stricter measures against juvenile delinquency.
Shahbaz's father, Iqbal, expressed profound grief and anger, alleging that his son was deliberately targeted. He described Shahbaz as a non-confrontational individual and called for a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served. Open URL