A recent student protest at Kannadi Higher Secondary School in Palakkad, Kerala, concluded on Thursday morning after both a teacher and the school’s headmistress were suspended. The demonstrations erupted following the death of a Class 9 boy.
Police sources confirmed that the 14-year-old student was discovered deceased in his bedroom on Tuesday evening.
The Kuzhalmannam police have initiated an investigation into the incident, registering it as a case of unnatural death based on the complaint filed by the boy’s parents.
According to the initial police report, the boy reportedly took his own life after his mother confronted him about messages sent via Instagram and suggested the possibility of him being transferred to a different school.
The boy’s relatives further alleged that a teacher had previously warned the student regarding his social media activities. “We learned from other students that a teacher had informed him that his actions could result in a cyber case and potential arrest,” a family member stated.
Students, supported by various political organizations including the Kerala Students Union (KSU), Students Federation of India (SFI), and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), gathered on the school premises to demand action.
Their protest specifically called for accountability from the teacher who had allegedly reprimanded the deceased student.
During the demonstration, the students also prevented the headmistress from leaving her office.
Addressing reporters, the headmistress explained, “The parents discovered the boy was sending messages to other children. The teacher merely cautioned a group of students, including him, about the responsible use of social media. There were also pre-existing family matters.”
She added that the school had arranged a counseling session for both the boy and his mother.
In response to the escalating protests, school management members confirmed they held a meeting with representatives from the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
“We have decided to suspend the teacher and the headmistress. This suspension is not an admission of wrongdoing, but a measure to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the incident. They will remain away from the school until the inquiry is complete,” a management member informed the press.
Following the announcement of these disciplinary actions, the protesting students disbanded their demonstration.
(Suicide Prevention Helpline: Disha – 1056, 0471-2552056)