KOZHIKODE: Strong protests erupted against the decision to allow the accused SSLC students in the Shahbaz murder case in Thamarassery to write their exams. KSU and MSF staged protests in front of the Observation Home in Vellimadukunnu. The protest led to a physical confrontation between activists and the police, following which the protestors were arrested and removed.

The Juvenile Board had granted permission for the five accused students to write the SSLC exams starting today. Following this decision, the police and the education department took the necessary steps. Initially, it was decided that the students would write their exams at their respective schools. However, this decision was changed due to the possibility of conflicts.

Subsequently, it was decided that the students would write their exams within the Juvenile Home where they are currently housed. This decision sparked opposition from student organizations affiliated with the opposition.

On Thursday evening, a clash broke out between students of Vattoli MJ Higher Secondary School, where Shahbaz studied, and students of Korangad Higher Secondary School in Thamarassery. The conflict reportedly started over a send-off event at a tuition center.

During the clash, Shahbaz was struck on the head with a weapon called a nunchuck. Although Shahbaz returned home, he started experiencing issues like vomiting in the night. His parents initially took him to a hospital in Thamarassery and later shifted him to Kozhikode Medical College. However, he succumbed to his injuries at around 1 AM on Friday night.

The police have charged five students with murder in connection with the incident. District Police Chief KE Baiju stated that the accused students did not act with the mindset of juveniles and that the murder of Shahbaz was a well-planned act.