Kochi: The Kerala High Court has refused to grant bail to five juveniles accused in the brutal murder of Shahabas, which had shocked the state. The court observed that granting bail at this stage could seriously hamper the ongoing investigation and negatively impact the trial proceedings, reported the Madhyamam.
Justice Ziyad Rahman, while dismissing the bail petitions, stated that the gravity of the crime and the involvement of the juveniles indicated a level of maturity beyond their age. The court emphasized that the protection extended to juveniles under the law cannot be misused when the crime committed is heinous in nature.
The murder of Shahabas had sparked outrage across Kerala, with widespread demands for justice. The case involves allegations of premeditated conspiracy and extreme violence, leading to Shahabas’s death. Authorities have charged the accused juveniles under various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to murder and conspiracy.
The High Court remarked that while the rights of juveniles must be respected, the interest of society and the seriousness of the offense must also be weighed. It noted that preliminary evidence suggested active participation by the juveniles, making it inappropriate to release them at this stage.
The court further directed the Juvenile Justice Board to proceed with the case swiftly, ensuring a fair and speedy trial. The accused will continue to remain in the observation home until further orders.
