Class 11 boy dies by suicide, mentions abuse by teacher as reason

Thanjavur: A Class 11 student of a CBSE school in Thanjavur died by suicide at his home on Monday, allegedly after his teacher abused him in class recently for speaking to a female classmate. The incident sparked a protest by the boy's family and relatives before the school, leading to the teacher's detention.

According to police, on Monday morning, the boy's parents went to his room where he was sleeping and tried to wake him up, but he did not respond. They broke open the door of the room and found him dead. Though he was rushed to the hospital, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Family members reportedly found a suicide note in which the student stated that he had spoken to a female classmate in a friendly manner, but his class teacher, identified as I Simcos Raj, 27, misunderstood and abused him in front of other students. The note mentioned that he became depressed after the teacher summoned and scolded him and the girl another time. He also mentioned that his classmates had teased him.

Following the incident, the boy's family held a protest outside the school demanding the teacher's arrest and refused to allow the autopsy until their demand was met.

Thanjavur superintendent of police R Rajaram held peace talks with the family at the RDO office in the presence of education department officials and the school management. Based on the family's insistence, the SP ordered an inquiry against Raj, who is from Manojipatti.

SP Rajaram said, "A free and fair probe would be conducted without influence. The teacher is under investigation."

After the peace talks, the autopsy was conducted at Thanjavur Medical College Hospital. A case under BNSS Section 194 (unnatural death) has been registered at the Tamil University police station, and an investigation is ongoing.

Speaking to TOI, district education officer (private schools) K Palanivel said, "We are reminding the private schools repeatedly in our meetings to treat students with dignity."