Medical student’s death in Kerala triggers concerns of gun violence

The involvement of gun should be taken as an ominous sign of evolving youth violence and should be curbed at the very outset, says psychiatrist

The use of gun in the alleged murder of a young medical student at Nellikuzhi near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district, unlike the more commonly adopted means of stabbing and setting ablaze the victim, has triggered off concerns about a potential upgrade in youth violence. The 24-year-old was gunned down by Rakhil, 32, she had met a year ago over Instagram in the immediate neighbourhood of her campus at Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Nellikuzhi, on Friday evening. “The involvement of gun should be taken as an ominous sign of evolving youth violence and should be curbed at the very outset. Gunning down a person in revenge could perceive to be a lot more sophisticated and even glamorise the crime. It could catch up if left unchecked,” said psychiatrist C.J. John.