Coimbatore teen dies by suicide; family alleges caste, beef-related harassment at school
The family of a 16-year-old Class 11 student at a government-aided school in Coimbatore has alleged that he died by suicide on Wednesday after harassment over his caste and eating habits. The student belonged to a Scheduled Caste community. The Peelamedu police have booked two classmates, a teacher and the school principal in connection with the death.
Government-aided schools receive government grants but are managed by private bodies. The student's mother works as a domestic worker at Bharathi Colony, and his father works at a resort in Kerala.
Police said the student left home at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, telling his mother he was going to school. His mother returned home around 1 p.m. for lunch, found the front door unlocked and discovered her son dead. The police shifted the body for a postmortem examination.
In her complaint, the mother alleged that teacher Vijayakumar had, two months ago, asked students belonging to Scheduled Caste communities in the classroom to identify themselves for a stipend. Her son enrolled for the stipend. She alleged that the teacher then asked how many students consumed beef, and her son and four others stood up.
The mother's complaint says the teacher's enquiry singled out students by caste in front of the class, and that her son was among five students who stood up when asked about beef consumption. She alleged that the harassment continued after that incident.
The mother alleged that two classmates had since harassed and assaulted her son over his caste. She said her son reported the harassment to Vijayakumar, but the teacher did not take action. She also alleged that principal Arunkumar failed to act when her son complained to him.
According to the complaint, the mother did not confront the school authorities earlier because her son feared he would be alienated and targeted further.
The police registered a case late on Wednesday against two students, teacher Vijayakumar and principal Arunkumar for offences under Sections 115(2) and 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Section 108 of the BNS deals with abetment of suicide. Vijayakumar was questioned on Thursday, police said. Further investigation is under way.
The allegations raise serious questions about caste-based discrimination in schools and whether complaints of harassment are acted upon promptly. Under the SC/ST Act, caste-based harassment is a cognisable offence, and educational institutions are expected to provide a safe environment for all students. The case also highlights the importance of grievance mechanisms that students can use without fear of retaliation.
The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of students from marginalised communities in educational settings.
Caste-based discrimination in educational institutions has been a recurring concern in India. The SC/ST Act provides for stringent punishment for atrocities against Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe persons, including in schools and colleges.
Suicide is a complex issue, and reports should avoid speculation about causes or graphic details. Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416 and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.
