Coimbatore Class 11 Student Dies by Suicide Amid Caste Harassment Allegations

Coimbatore: A 16-year-old Class 11 student allegedly died by suicide at his home in A.D. Colony, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, on Wednesday, amid allegations of caste-based harassment and humiliation by classmates at a private school on Avinashi Road.

The student, a resident of Peelamedu, had reportedly studied up to Class 10 at a Corporation school before joining the private school for Class 11.

According to reports, the student and two other classmates belonged to the Scheduled Caste community. Some classmates allegedly began excluding the three students after learning about their caste identities and subjected them to caste-based remarks.

On Wednesday, when schools reopened after the Pooja holidays, the student reportedly left home saying he was going to school. However, after his family members left for work, he returned home and was later found dead.

His father, who returned home around lunchtime, found him unresponsive. Neighbours alerted Peelamedu Police, who reached the spot and sent the body to Coimbatore ESI Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, the deceased student’s family members gathered at Coimbatore ESI Hospital and reportedly argued with the police, demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged caste-based harassment.

Police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and the allegations of harassment. Further details are awaited.