Kerala: A Class 7 student, Prajith Manoj, took his own life on February 15, reportedly following physical and mental harassment by teachers.
The 13-year-old from Holy Family Visitation Public School in Kattoor, Alappuzha district, was allegedly beaten by a teacher, Christhu Das, and accused of being a ganja addict. Two other teachers, Reshma and Dolly, are said to have mentally harassed the student.
The incident occurred when Prajith, along with a sick friend, returned late to the last period after drinking water. The class teacher reported them missing, and upon their return, Prajith was reportedly beaten with a stick by Christhu Das, who questioned him about being a ganja addict. The mental harassment allegedly continued by teachers Reshma and Dolly.
Despite the serious allegations, the school authorities deny any wrongdoing, with the headmistress asserting that Prajith was instructed to bring his father to school the next day.
Prajith's father, Manoj, lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister, Education Minister, Director General of Police, and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) council on February 19, seeking action against the teachers. The Mannancherry police registered a case of unnatural death.
The Child Rights Commission has initiated a detailed investigation, with the Superintendent of Police tasked with the inquiry.
Statements from Prajith's classmates have been recorded, and the Child Welfare Committee is scheduled to take statements from the implicated teachers on Friday, February 23.