Bible study, football and friends; Murder that shook Thiruvananthapuram city

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Youngsters coming in to settle a small dispute between school students resulted in an egregious murder that shocked Thiruvananthapuram city. Alan, a Nettayam native who lived in a rented house in Thampanoor, died in the clash between students over a dispute in the football match held at school.

There had been a long-standing dispute between the children of Rajaji Nagar, Chenkalchoola and the children of Jagathy Colony, Poojappura. Tensions always simmered among the two sections, which is said to have started years back, connected with a quarrel among adults. When a problem occurred between the children, instead of the school authorities resolving it, adults took up the issue. The incident turned into a regional dispute and a matter of pride for both areas, resulting in a heinous murder.

On Monday evening, at around 6 pm, as previously announced, both groups arrived in front of the transformer near the Thycaud Sasthamkovil Temple to settle the dispute. Both groups included children who were involved in the conflict at the school. The adults who reached the spot were carrying weapons. The plan was to attack if provoked. While the conversation was going on, a verbal argument broke out. Alan and the other group got into a fistfight. In the meantime, a young man from the other group took out a knife he was holding and stabbed Alan in the chest. The knife pierced from the bottom left of his chest to the top. Within moments, Alan collapsed to the ground with a loud groan.

About Alan

After completing his Plus One, Alan was studying the Bible in Pune to become an evangelist. After eight months of study, he was preparing for higher studies.

Alan and his family previously lived in Harvipuram, Peroorkada. Alan's father had died long ago. Friends and locals remembered Alan as a lively youngster.

From here, Alan and his family later moved to Manikandeshwaram. In the meantime, Alan's sister Andrea was married off to Rajaji Nagar, but she committed suicide a year ago. Recently, Alan and his mother moved to a rented house in the Thoppil area near Aristo Junction. Alan went to evangelism work while his mother went to Kollam for domestic work.

Alan lived at home alone. On Monday evening, Alan, who was sleeping at home, was woken up by friends and taken to Thycaud to settle the issue.

The hospital witnessed heartbreaking scenes after friends and relatives of Alan arrived, learning about the tragedy. The screams and wails from loved ones reverberated in the area, while others tried to pacify them, though unsuccessfully. Relatives and friends from Peroorkada, Harvipuram and Indiranagar rushed to the General Hospital after learning about the incident. One of Alan’s friends collapsed in front of the hospital and was rushed to the emergency department.