Abhiram's body brought home; relatives break down in tears, large crowd gathers to pay last respects

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The body of 17-year-old Abhiram, who was murdered at Pangappara in Sreekaryam, has been brought home. He was the son of Madhu, an autorickshaw driver, and Dharmaja, who live in a rented house at Nethaji Lane in Sangeetha Nagar, Pangappara. A large number of relatives, friends and locals have gathered to pay their last respects to the teenager.

Relatives broke down in tears upon seeing the body. Abhiram's mother and sister, who were in the Gulf, returned home to see him one last time. After the public viewing, the body will be taken to the public crematorium in Kazhakkoottam, where the funeral will be held. Abhiram was a first-year Humanities student at NSS Higher Secondary School near MG College.

Meanwhile, shocking details have emerged about the murder. The accused allegedly spent two days planning the crime in a manner reminiscent of a film plot. The 17-year-old first accused, who is the boyfriend of the third accused, Anandha, took her mobile phone home and used it to plan the murder. He also sent messages to Abhiram from Anandha's number as part of the plan.

The 17-year-old had initially planned to kill one of Abhiram's friends. He allegedly intended to threaten Abhiram and force him to bring the friend to the spot. However, the friend did not turn up despite Abhiram calling him. The accused then allegedly killed Abhiram instead. The 17-year-old is suspected to have planned the murder following a dispute involving his former girlfriend. There is also suspicion that the second accused, Umar Muftar (22), who has been booked in several cases, including under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA), carried out the murder.