The parents and relatives of Akilan, a Class 11 student of a government-aided school in Peelamedu who had ended his life due to alleged harassment over caste and eating habits, staged a sit-in protest demanding the arrest of his teacher, headmaster and other students purportedly involved in abetment. They refused to accept the body of the student.
The Peelamedu police had registered a case against the teacher and a few classmates based on a complaint lodged by the deceased student’s mother Kausalyadevi. Two students were arrested after the case was registered.
A press release issued by the city police said two students have been arrested in the case, and 30 other students, teachers and other witnesses were questioned.
Separate inquiries were also conducted by officials of School Education Department and Child Welfare Committee.
The autopsy report will provide more clues. Five special teams have been formed and CCTV camera footage and scientific evidence were being examined.
The press release said that a transparent investigation was under way and that spreading of rumours should be avoided.
Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, and Sneha’s Suicide Prevention Helpline 044-24640050
Published - October 24, 2026 09:10 pm IST