Following the death of 15-year-old Mihir Ahammed, his mother Rajna PM has written a letter to the Vice Principal of Gems Modern Academy in Kochi, highlighting certain events that “played an integral role” in affecting Mihir’s mental health. Mihir had studied at Gems Modern Academy till October 30 before moving to Global Public School in November, where he was allegedly bullied and ragged by students.
“I’m writing this letter to you, to refresh your memory on certain events where you played an integral role in affecting my son’s mental health – that further led to him taking his life in the most gruesome manner. I find it extremely important to bring these events to light because no other child should ever have to go through what my son did,” the letter said.
Rajna wrote that Mihir was suspended for seven days for allegedly reacting to a girl student who provoked him. “After my husband and I returned to town, we met you and your colleague Soumya. You were hostile to us throughout the meeting and even humiliated my son - which made all of us very uncomfortable. In that same meeting, with my son present right there, you asked us some really uncomfortable questions about him. I couldn’t hold back my tears at this point and left the room immediately. He never recovered from this insult and finally took his life. Is that what you wished for?” she wrote.
According to the letter, Mihir was asked to write the exams in an isolation room without the knowledge of the principal due to personal grudge. “Mihir gave all his exams in isolation to satisfy your ego. You appointed a guard to monitor him. The monitor even escorted him to the washroom. Even after he expressed his emotional turmoil, you continued to isolate him. Why did you see my 14-year-old son as a criminal/psycho…
Mihir was kicked out of the basketball team too, remember? When asked why, his coach told him that it was your decision. Did you know how much it meant to him,being on the basketball team? And then when he begged you about it, you simply told him that he cannot be part of the team anymore. My son loved the sport, and you broke his heart,” Rajna said, adding that Mihir used to cry every day at the humiliation.
Rajna said that they had written to him to reconsider his decisions after witnessing the mental health of Mihir deteriorating. “We wonder how, perhaps, many other students are being treated currently, for a mistake that can be corrected through conversation and love. That’s what we expect schools to do. I hope every teacher and parent reading this asks themselves a question - are our students/children safe with this Vice Principal? Are the teachers creating a safe space for the children or are they instilling fear and humiliation in them?,” the letter added.
A statement from GEMS Modern Academy said, “We still cherish the memory of his performance on his last day of school (30th October 2024) at GEMS during the Diwali celebrations. His peers and teachers still treasure this performance. When we heard of the sad passing of Mihir's life in January 2025, as a mark of respect to the departed soul, we observed a 2-minute silence and prayer for Mihir among his peer group. We kindly request parents and well-wishers to be mindful and respectful during this difficult time, and to refrain from any speculation or comments on the issue.”
Rajna has filed a police complaint seeking an impartial investigation into the relentless ragging and bullying endured by her son at Global Public School. A First Information Report (FIR) has been reportedly registered against the child’s classmates. However, Rajna and her family fear that delays in gathering digital evidence may lead to the accused erasing their tracks. In response, Global Public School said the information circulating now is baseless and action will be taken if there was evidence.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.