The Thiruvananthapuram City police in Kerala have intensified its manhunt for the prime suspects in the broad daylight murder of 18-year-old Alan, who was fatally stabbed during a violent confrontation two days ago.
The dispute, which originated from tensions between rival groups of youngsters from Rajaji Nagar and Jagathy, escalated after habitual offenders, including at least one person who had been previously detained under the Kerala Anti-social Activities (Prevention) Act, intervened in the issue.
The Cantonment police arrested two persons, Sandeep and Akhilesh, who have been identified as the sixth and seventh accused respectively in the case, a day ago. However, the main accused and four other primary suspects remain at large. The investigation team has not ruled out the possibility that the gang may have fled across the State border into Tamil Nadu.
In order to prevent any assistance to the absconders, the police have taken several relatives into preventive detention. Warning has also been issued that those found to abet the escape will also face criminal charges.
Moreover, two minor students who have been taken into custody, and four other people purportedly connected to the incident are currently under surveillance, sources said.
Alan is believed to have reached the spot to mediate the clash between the two student factions. During the brawl, Alan was first knocked to the ground by a blow from a helmet. The perpetrator then stabbed him in the chest with a sharp rod. Although his friends immediately rushed him to the General Hospital on a scooter, Alan succumbed to the severe internal bleeding from the wound.
The police have recovered the alleged murder weapon.
Published – November 19, 2025 04:19 pm IST
