Class 9 boy dies by suicide in Palakkad; teacher, headmistress suspended
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Palakkad: A Class 9 student at Kannadi Higher Secondary School, Arjun (14), son of Jayakrishnan of Pallanchathanur, was found hanging in his bedroom on Tuesday around 4.30 pm, according to police sources. Kuzhalmannam police have registered a case of unnatural death following a complaint filed by his parents.
The FIR states that Arjun, reportedly depressed, took the extreme step after his mother questioned him about certain Instagram messages and mentioned the possibility of transferring him to another school. Relatives also alleged that a teacher had warned Arjun over his social media activity. “We later learned from other students that a teacher told him his actions could invite a cyber case and that he might be arrested,” a relative said.
In response to the incident, students affiliated with various political groups, including the Kerala Students Union (KSU), Students Federation of India (SFI), and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), held a protest on the school premises demanding action against the teacher who had reprimanded Arjun. The protesters also prevented headmistress Lissy from leaving her office.
Speaking to reporters, headmistress Lissy said, “The parents found that Arjun was sending messages to other children. The teacher only cautioned a group of students, including Arjun, about the misuse of social media. There were also issues within the family.” She added that the school had arranged a counselling session for Arjun and his mother and had scheduled a follow-up meeting to address parenting-related concerns. “Arjun often locked himself in his room and threatened his parents,” she said.
Following the protest, the school management held a meeting with Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) representatives and announced the suspension of teacher Asha and headmistress Lissy. “The suspension is not meant as punishment but to ensure a fair probe into the incident. They have been asked to stay away from the school until the investigation is completed,” a management member told reporters.
After the disciplinary action was announced, the protesting students called off their demonstration. The school management confirmed that regular classes will resume from Tuesday.
With PTI inputs