15-year-old's aggression under influence of cannabis; locals catch school student with machete from street

MALAPPURAM: A 15-year-old boy took to the streets under the influence of cannabis and created a ruckus. The boy went out on the street with a machete and turned violent. The incident that left the locals in a panic took place in the Chekannur market in Malappuram. Under the influence of cannabis, he went out on the street and grabbed a machete from a nearby hardware shop. The locals then caught the boy and handed him over to the Ponnani police.

The incident took place at 5.30 pm the other day. A verbal argument and a fight broke out between the teens who had come to participate in the Pooram near Anakkara School at Chekannur Angadi. The 15-year-old's act of aggression was followed by this. This is the latest example of unusual behaviour by school children in Kerala in recent times.

Even minor fights between children have escalated to the use of deadly weapons and even murder. Drug abuse is the main villain in Chekannur Angadi also. The new incidents come as various political parties and voluntary organizations are working together to combat drug abuse and the subsequent frightening behaviour among children in the state.

Recent incidents also indicate that the issue has become a major menace among children in Kerala. The increasing use of drugs by minors in the state is also a cause for concern.