Mystery looms over 16-year-old boy's death near Pettah railway station; police grilling close friend

VEMBAYAM: Police are trying to clear up the mystery surrounding a 16-year-old boy’s death after being hit by a train in Pettah. Police are questioning the victim’s friend.

It is learnt that the body of Abhijith, son of Biju and Beena for Thekkada Vembayam, was found on the Pettah railway tracks. Abhijith had left home with a Vettucaud native on March 3. Since he was used to staying away from home for a long period, the family initially did not suspect anything. However, after days of not being able to contact him even by phone, the family filed a complaint with the Vattappara police on March 17.

However, on March 5, a body was found on the railway tracks near Pettah railway station. Despite putting the news, no relatives came to claim the body which left Pettah police to allow permission to cremate the body on April 5. During this time, Vattappara police were searching for the youngster along with his relatives. With nothing positive happening, the family filed a complaint with the chief minister, assisted by Minister G. R. Anil.

With this, the police intensified the investigation. Abhijith's friends were questioned. The Vettucaud native was questioned for hours after which he admitted that the body found on tracks near Pettah on March 5th was Abhijith’s. He admitted to recognizing the body through a newspaper but kept silent as he feared the chances of police questioning as Abhijith was last seen with him.

Vattappara police meanwhile took the images of the dead body from Pettah police and confirmed it with Abhijith’s relatives. Abhijith’s father cried foul over the hasty move to cremate his son’s body without informing anyone.

It is reported that the Vettucaud native lied about not knowing the whereabouts of Abhijith when he met with Abhijith's relatives at Thampanoor recently.