Puttur: The death of a 17-year-old boy due to a gunshot injury at Paade in Ramakunja village on January 24 continues to remain shrouded in mystery, with conflicting versions and a complaint alleging murder adding new dimensions to the case.

Last rites held as father recovers in hospital

The last rites of the deceased boy were performed on the night of January 25 at his mother’s residence in Enmakaje, Perla, in Kasaragod district. The boy’s father, who sustained serious injuries in the same incident, is currently undergoing treatment in hospital. He has reportedly undergone surgery and is said to be recovering.

The deceased has been identified as Moksha (17), son of Vasanth Amin (55) and Jayashree, residents of Paade in Ramakunja village. Moksha died at his residence on the evening of January 24 after sustaining a gunshot injury.

Initial version points to self-inflicted gunshot

According to initial information shared by the police soon after the incident, Moksha allegedly shot himself using a licensed gun belonging to his father. Police sources had indicated that the firearm involved was an SBBL gun registered in the name of Vasanth Amin.

Senior police officers visited the spot soon after the incident, conducted a detailed mahazar and launched an investigation. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Mangaluru, arrived at the scene around 9 pm on January 24 and collected evidence until about 4 am on January 25.

After the completion of spot investigations, the body was shifted to Deralakatte hospital, where a post-mortem examination was conducted on the evening of January 25. The body was later handed over to the family for last rites.

Father injured, surgery performed

Vasanth Amin, who was admitted to AJ Hospital in Mangaluru following the incident, has undergone surgery and is currently in the intensive care unit. Hospital sources said his condition is stable and that he is recovering.

Sources close to the family have claimed that bullet fragments were found in his body during surgery. However, police officials have not officially confirmed this information, stating that further clarity would emerge only after a detailed examination of medical and forensic reports.

Mother’s complaint raises serious questions

Confusion and uncertainty surrounding the incident intensified after the boy’s mother, Jayashree, lodged a complaint accusing her husband, Vasanth Amin, of murdering their son. The contents of the complaint have reportedly contradicted the police’s initial version and raised serious questions about the sequence of events that led to the teenager’s death.

According to the police’s preliminary account, the incident allegedly followed a domestic altercation. During the argument, Moksha is said to have stabbed his father in the abdomen with a knife. Subsequently, the teenager allegedly used the licensed SBBL gun to shoot himself in the face, resulting in his death on the spot.

Police officials had earlier stated that this version was based on preliminary findings and statements recorded during the initial stage of the investigation.

Case remains under investigation

The complaint filed by the mother has added a new layer of complexity to the case and has prompted investigators to re-examine all possible angles. Police sources said the allegations made in the complaint are being taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.

Investigators are awaiting key forensic reports, including ballistic analysis, post-mortem findings and medical records related to the father’s injuries. Statements from family members, neighbours and others connected to the case are also being recorded to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Forensic evidence crucial to unravel truth

Police officials said the evidence collected by the FSL team, including gunshot residue, bullet fragments and other material from the scene, will play a crucial role in determining whether the gunshot injury was self-inflicted or caused by another person.

Ballistic experts are expected to analyse the firearm used in the incident, the trajectory of the bullet and the nature of injuries sustained by both the father and the son. These findings are likely to be central to establishing the facts of the case.

Community awaits clarity

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many residents expressing shock over the tragic death and the circumstances surrounding it. The involvement of a licensed firearm and the conflicting claims have further heightened public interest and concern.

Police officials have urged the public to refrain from speculation, stating that the investigation is still at a sensitive stage and that conclusions should not be drawn until all evidence is examined.

Conclusion

With conflicting versions, serious allegations and crucial forensic reports awaited, the gunshot death of teenager Moksha continues to puzzle investigators. The police have maintained that the truth will emerge only after a comprehensive investigation is completed. Until then, the case remains unresolved, leaving the family and the wider community searching for answers to the tragic incident.