The family of a Class 11 boy in Kerala, who reportedly died by suicide, has alleged that teachers in his school had physically assaulted and harassed him. The student, Bhavath Manav EV, was a plus-one student at the Kambil Mopla Higher Secondary School in Kannur and was found dead on January 8.
Bhavath’s mother Sheeba accused the school teachers of having physically assaulted Bhavath citing poor academic performance and for not cutting his hair.
“His teacher once called me and asked me if we used to beat him. When I said no, the teacher replied that he was not beaten enough. The teacher said that Bhavath would learn things only if he beat up in front of me,” Sheeba told the media, adding that Bhavath was always reluctant to go to school.
Students at the school told the media that teachers usually resort to physically assaulting students. “They would not treat us like a human but as an animal. They do not have any compassion or mercy. If any issues happen the teachers will physically torture us in the physics lab. That room is considered as the torture room,” a student told the media.
The Mayyil Police registered a case under section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). According to the police, the statement from his mother indicated that there was physical assault involved, and the police are currently investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, the Student’s Federation of India (SFI) – linked to the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Muslim Students Federation (MSF) – linked to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) staged protests demanding action against school authorities.
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.