The Pala police in Kottayam have arrested three sports teachers in connection to the death of a 17-year-old student who passed away after a hammer fell on his head during a state sports meet. 

Seventeen-year-old Abheel Johnson of St Thomas Higher Secondary school in Pala died after a 3 kg hammer fell on his head during the Kerala State Junior Athletics Championship held in Pala in October. 

The police have now recorded the arrest of Mohammad Khasim (referee), TD Martin (Throw judge) and KV Joseph (signalling official) following Abheel’s death. The police have yet to arrest Narayanan Kutty, another official, who was named an accused in the case. 

“The three accused were charged under section 304 (A) - causing death by negligence. This is a bailable offence and the accused were released with station bail after their arrests were recorded,” Pala Circle Inspector Suresh VA told TNM.

At the sports meet, which took place on October 4, the deceased Abheel Johnson participated as a volunteer. There were two sporting events — Javelin throw and hammer throw, happening at the same time. Abheel has been picking up the javelins which the contestants had used when a hammer thrown by a contestant directly hit his head and grievously injured him. 

According to reports, both the events had the same finishing point which resulted in the accident. Abheel was rushed to the Kottayam medical college hospital where he underwent an emergency surgery. He remained critical for the next two weeks and passed away.