Kerala Class 9 student dies by suicide, family blames school for harassment

The relatives of a Class 9 student in Kerala have accused her school of mental harassment following her death by suicide. The student, identified as Ashir Nanda, was studying at St Dominic’s Convent English Medium School in Sreekrishnapuram, Palakkad district. She was found dead at her home on June 23.

The family has alleged that Ashir was subjected to pressure by the school, including being asked to write a letter stating she would be willing to return to the eighth grade if her exam marks were low. “She came home really upset. An internal exam was conducted and when marks were low, a reshuffling took place and she was made to sit in a different class,” the family said.

School authorities, however, have denied the claim that there was any plan to demote her. “We never said we would degrade her. We only said that she would have to sit for a re-exam. That is how we usually do it,” said a representative of the school.

The incident has triggered protests by students and parents, who gathered at the school demanding accountability and action against those responsible. The Student Federation of India, the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), announced that it would organise a march to the school.

A meeting was later held at the school, attended by teachers, parents and the police, to discuss the matter and address the concerns raised by the community.

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