A class 12 student in Chennai died by suicide on Wednesday, April 9, after allegedly being ragged by some of his classmates in school.
The 17-year-old, identified as Kishore, was studying in Maharishi Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School in the city’s Chetpet. According to the police, Kishore had informed his parents about the harassment. He had also reportedly raised complaints at school but no action was taken by the school’s management, the police told TNM.
The Kilpauk police were alerted on Wednesday and Kishore’s mortal remains were sent to Kilpauk Government Hospital for a postmortem.
A case has been registered and investigation is underway.
According to directives from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), every school must adopt a Child Protection Policy that includes a zero tolerance approach to ragging and bullying. In addition, schools must constitute a Child Protection Committee (CPC) for handling complaints, conducting awareness, and taking action against violations. It is unclear if Kishore’s school had a CPC.
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.