A Class 12 student in Odisha allegedly died by suicide after being improperly frisked by a male teacher before an exam. Her mother lodged a complaint citing harassment, while college officials denied the claims. An investigation, including CCTV review, is underway as authorities seek to understand the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
An 18-year-old girl from Kendrapara, Odisha, tragically died by suicide on February 24, following an incident where she was allegedly frisked by a male teacher prior to entering her examination hall. The victim was a Class 12 student and her mother filed a police complaint stating that the inappropriate conduct deeply affected her daughter.
According to Pattamundai inspector-in-charge Dheeraj Lenka, the education guidelines specify that female students should be frisked by female staff, yet the victim faced a different situation. The police are currently reviewing CCTV footage to determine the exact sequence of events surrounding the incident that reportedly led to the student’s tragic decision to end her life.
The college authorities, however, refute the claims made in the complaint. Principal Dilip Kumar Bhuyan asserted, “Girl students are frisked by female staffers before they are allowed to enter exam halls. The allegation that a male teacher inappropriately frisked a student is not true.”
In a separate incident in Kerala, a case has been registered against several students and teachers due to an alleged act of throwing itching powder on a female student in February. This incident highlights the troubling nature of school environments across different regions.
For individuals facing distress, it is important to recognize that resources are available. Notable suicide prevention helpline numbers in India include 011-23389090 from Sumaitri in Delhi and 044-24640050 from the Sneha Foundation in Chennai.
The unfortunate suicide of an 18-year-old girl in Odisha underscores the critical need for adherence to educational guidelines regarding the treatment of students. The investigation into her death remains ongoing as authorities review video evidence. While the college disputes the allegations, this incident, alongside other distressing occurrences in educational settings, emphasizes the necessity for improved training and protocols for safeguarding student welfare.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
