GEMS Modern Academy, Kochi, has suspended its Vice Principal, Binu Azeez, following a controversy surrounding the death of former student Mihir Ahammed (15), who was allegedly subjected to harassment at the institution. The suspension was announced on Sunday, February 2. The death of the teenager has sparked wide outrage in the state.
"The School Management has decided to place Vice-Principal Binu Azeez under suspension with immediate effect to ensure a thorough and impartial ongoing investigation by the school and relevant authorities into the recent incident involving our former student, Late Mihir Ahammed," read a press release issued by the school.
The alleged involvement of school authorities in Mihir’s suicide came to light after his mother, PM Rajna wrote a letter to Vice Principal Binu Azeez following his death. Mihir had been suspended from GEMS Modern Academy for seven days over an alleged altercation with a female student. According to his family, even after the suspension period ended, Mihir was subjected to social boycott. He was reportedly made to sit in a separate room and denied interaction with his classmates.
The letter accused Binu Azeez of taking extreme measures to ‘discipline’ Mihir, stating that the isolation and humiliation he faced "played an integral role" in affecting his mental health. Rajna alleged that these actions ultimately contributed to Mihir taking his own life. She also claimed that the school administration was hostile toward the family when they sought a meeting after Mihir’s suspension.
Following his suspension, Mihir joined Global Public School (GPS), Ernakulam, in November last year. However, his troubles continued, as he was allegedly subjected to ragging, assault, and bullying by his classmates. According to his family, Mihir was beaten, forced to lick a toilet seat, and subjected to other forms of harassment.
The Hill Palace Police Station is currently investigating the case, while Kerala’s education department has also launched an inquiry into the matter.
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.