Coimbatore Student Dies by Suicide After Alleged Caste Taunts, Teacher Held

Coimbatore: A teacher has been held, while a school headmaster and two students have been booked under three sections in connection with the death by suicide of a 16-year-old Class 11 student who allegedly faced repeated caste-based harassment at a private school in Coimbatore.

Presently, the deceased student’s family and relatives are staging a protest outside the Peelamedu Law and Order Police Station, demanding a thorough investigation into the case.

According to the police, the deceased, A Akilan, was the son of Ashok Kumar (45) and Kausalya Devi (40), residents of AT Colony in Peelamedu. Some of Akilan’s classmates allegedly subjected him to caste-based taunts related to his community and eating habits.

On Wednesday, Akilan returned to school after the Pooja holidays. During the morning prayer assembly, some classmates allegedly taunted him again over his caste. Distressed by the incident, he returned home.

The incident came to light around 1 pm when his mother arrived home for lunch and found the door locked from inside. After repeated knocks went unanswered, she reportedly broke open the door and found her son hanging. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Following the incident, family members and relatives gathered at ESI Hospital, where his body was brought for post-mortem examination. They demanded a comprehensive probe into the alleged caste-based harassment and the circumstances that led to Akilan’s death.

The parents alleged that the teacher had questioned Akilan about his food choices, asking whether he ate beef. They also accused the headmaster of failing to initiate action.

Peelamedu police are investigating the case. The allegations against those booked remain subject to investigation.