Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], November 19 (HBTV): A 19-year-old youth was stabbed to death following a dispute that began during a football match between two groups of youngsters near the Shri Dharma Shastha Temple at Thycaud, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Alen, a resident of D-47, Thoppu, near Aristo Junction. Cantonment Police have detained four youths in connection with the incident.
According to the police, the incident occurred around 5 pm on Monday after nearly 30 youngsters gathered near the temple following an argument during a football match. Teenagers from Jagathy and Rajaji Nagar, along with students from Model School, regularly play on the nearby ground.
Police said a heated exchange during the game escalated into a violent confrontation. Alen, who reached the spot with his friends to calm the situation, was fatally attacked when the altercation spiralled out of control. He sustained a single stab injury to the left side of his chest, allegedly inflicted with a pocket knife. The injury caused severe internal bleeding and pierced his heart. Two youths, who were not part of the clash, rushed him to the General Hospital on a scooter, but he died shortly after admission.
Police said the assailants fled through a narrow lane behind the temple that connects to the main road near Sastha Gardens A Block. Residents who heard the commotion alerted the police.
Alen's family had moved to the area six months ago from Manikanteswaram in Peroorkada. He had recently returned to Thiruvananthapuram after completing a job-oriented course in Kochi. His mother, Manju, works as a housemaid. The family had earlier suffered the loss of his sister Andrea last year.
Meanwhile, FIR details show that Alen was attacked after he asked the accused to disperse and leave the area. The FIR states that the accused, identified as suspects one to five, restrained Alen, verbally abused him and assaulted him. The second accused allegedly struck him on the head with a helmet, while others hit him. The first accused is said to have stabbed Alen in the chest with a sharp, iron-like weapon concealed at his waist.
The FIR noted that the accused acted together with the intention to cause grievous harm, leading to Alen's death around 5:45 pm. Charges have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — 103(1), 127(2), 296(b), 115(2), 118(2) and 3(5).
Police have intensified efforts to trace all those involved in the clash, and further investigation is underway.
(ANI)