SC and ST Commission seeks report; family alleges caste-based abuse by classmates and a teacher and demands accountability
COIMBATORE — A Dalit Class 11 student has died by suicide in Coimbatore after allegedly facing caste-based harassment at school, prompting police to arrest a teacher, register a case against the headmaster and two classmates, and launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The student, identified as A Akilan, was found dead at his home in the Peelamedu area on Wednesday, after returning to school following the Puja holidays. His family alleges that repeated caste-based taunts and harassment left him distressed.
According to the complaint filed by his mother, Kousalya Devi, Akilan had faced discrimination from classmates, who allegedly mocked him over his caste and eating habits. The complaint also names class teacher Vijayakumar and headmaster Arunkumar.
The family alleges that Vijayakumar asked students in the classroom who ate beef. After Akilan reportedly indicated that he did, two classmates allegedly subjected him to casteist abuse and physical assault. His parents further allege that the headmaster failed to act adequately after they raised concerns about the treatment their son was experiencing.
The Peelamedu police have registered a case against the teacher, headmaster and two students under provisions relating to abetment of suicide, voluntarily causing hurt and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Vijayakumar has been arrested, while the headmaster and the two students have also been named in the case. The allegations against them remain subject to investigation.
Family Wants Accountability
The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has sought a report from the Coimbatore City Police Commissioner on the student’s death and the allegations of caste-based harassment. The commission took up the matter on Thursday, according to reports.
The Child Welfare Committee is also conducting an inquiry into the circumstances of the death, while police continue to examine the allegations and the school’s response to the family’s complaints.
Akilan’s parents and relatives protested outside the Peelamedu police station, demanding a thorough investigation and action against those they hold responsible. They also called for the headmaster to be arrested, alleging that the school authorities had failed to respond appropriately to their concerns.
Akilan’s father, Ashok Kumar, said the family wanted justice for their son and alleged that the teacher and school management were responsible for what had happened. He also said Akilan had aspired to become a lawyer.
According to the family’s complaint, Akilan had previously been reluctant to attend school and had told his mother that other students were unwilling to speak to him because of his caste. Reports also indicate that his parents had approached the school management over the alleged harassment.
Police are investigating whether the alleged discrimination and the school’s handling of the complaints contributed to the student’s death. No final findings have been announced, and the allegations against the teacher, headmaster and students have not been established in court.
The case has renewed concerns about caste-based discrimination in educational institutions and the responsibility of school authorities to respond promptly to complaints of harassment, particularly when students’ safety and well-being may be at risk.
Courtesy : Clarion
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