What Led to the Tragic Suicide of a Class 12 Student After Teacher's Humiliation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Enquiry Committee Formed: A committee was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the student's death.
- Teacher's Conduct Under Scrutiny: Allegations of humiliation and psychological abuse by the teacher are central to the investigation.
- Calls for Policy Change: Academics and organizations demand stricter regulations against corporal punishment in schools.
- Community Support: The victim's family has received financial and moral support from local leaders and organizations.
- Need for Accountability: There is a growing demand for accountability and reform in the education system to prevent future tragedies.
Agartala, July 31 (NationPress) A three-member enquiry committee, formed under the directives of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, presented its findings to the government on Thursday concerning the distressing suicide of a talented Class 12 student, purportedly after experiencing humiliation from a teacher, as reported by officials.
An official from the Secondary School Education Department stated that the enquiry committee visited the Sonarpur Class XII School in the south Tripura district of Barpathari on Wednesday. They engaged with the girl’s family, school staff, other students, and stakeholders.
“The committee submitted their report to Nripendra Chandra Sharma, the Director of the Secondary School Education Department, who will forward it to the government for necessary actions,” the official informed IANS.
The young girl tragically took her own life on July 24, reportedly by ingesting pesticide following a humiliation incident at the hands of her school teacher.
In response to Chief Minister Saha’s orders, who also oversees the school education sector, the Director of the Secondary Education Department established the three-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the girl’s alleged suicide.
The committee consists of Lisa Bardhan, Joint Director of Elementary Education, Kajal Kumar Bhowmik, Officer-on-Special Duty (OSD) at the Directorate of Secondary Education, and Sudip Sarkar, OSD at the office of the District Education Officer, West Tripura District.
“Initial reports indicate that the student may have taken this drastic step following reprimands from a teacher at school,” a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office noted, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation into all facets of the incident.
Several academics pointed out that federal guidelines, the Right to Education Act, and Supreme Court directives explicitly condemn any form of corporal punishment and psychological harm, placing blame on the involved teacher.
The student, known for consistently ranking first in her classes, consumed poison after being scolded by her teacher concerning her performance in the school’s internal examination.
The teacher allegedly accused her of cheating, discarded her answer sheet, and chastised her in front of classmates and staff. Just one day later, she made the tragic decision to end her life.
Students from Sonarpur Class XII School and various organizations, including CPI-M and Congress, have called for stringent actions against the teacher responsible for this incident.
Senior Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman provided financial support to the girl's family for her final rites, acknowledging their dire financial situation, while CPI-M leader Sudhan Das and others visited the victim’s home to offer their support to the grieving family.