The mother of 15-year-old Mihir Ahammed, who died by suicide in Kerala’s Kochi on January 15, has filed a police complaint seeking an impartial investigation into the relentless ragging and bullying endured by her son at school. She has also filed a detailed petition addressed to the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Chief Minister’s Office and approached the Child Welfare Commission, requesting inquiry into the alleged harassment faced by the child at the hands of the Vice Principal of his previous school.
“After his death, my husband and I began gathering information to understand why Mihir took such a drastic step. Through conversations with his friends, schoolmates, and by reviewing social media messages, we uncovered the horrific reality of what he endured. Mihir was subjected to brutal ragging, bullying, and physical assault by a gang of students at school and on the school bus,” the child’s mother Rajna PM wrote in a social media post.
Her statement also alleged that the school –Global Public School, Ernakulam– has been intimidating students in an attempt to save its reputation and a social media page named ‘Justice for Mihir’ created by some of his friends to shed light on these incidents was deleted. She posted screenshots of chats between a group of her son’s schoolmates discussing his death using insensitive, discriminatory language.
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.
“Mihir was beaten, verbally abused, and forced to endure unimaginable humiliation even on his last day. He was forcibly taken to the washroom, made to lick a toilet seat, and had his head pushed into the toilet while it was flushed. These acts of cruelty broke him in ways we cannot fathom,” Rajna wrote, adding that her son was also bullied for his skin colour.
Rajna has also alleged that her son faced harassment from the vice principal of GEMS Modern Academy, Kochi, the school where her son previously studied. A petition regarding this has been filed with the Child Commission, requesting an impartial investigation.
“I am begging for justice for Mihir. His death must not go in vain. Those responsible for this barbaric act must face the full force of the law, and systemic changes must be made to ensure no other child suffers like Mihir did. I have complete faith in the legal system and am confident that justice will prevail. I urge the public to support this fight for justice- not just for Mihir, but for every child who dreams of a safe and supportive environment to learn and grow,” Rajna wrote.
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.