Tragic Suicide of Odisha Student Highlights Concerns Over School Harassment
An 18-year-old girl in Odisha died by suicide after being allegedly frisked inappropriately by a male teacher before an exam. Her mother filed a police complaint, claiming the act violated guidelines that require female students to be checked by female staff. The college’s principal denied the allegations as investigations into the incident continue. In related news, another case involving a student being bullied with itching powder was reported in Kerala, reinforcing concerns over student safety.
An 18-year-old Class 12 student in Odisha’s Kendrapara district died by suicide on February 24 following an alleged inappropriate frisking by a male teacher prior to her examination. The incident reportedly occurred on February 19, which sparked significant distress for the young girl. Her mother lodged a police complaint asserting that the frisking violated educational guidelines by allowing male staff to perform checks on female students.
The Pattamundai police confirmed they are investigating the matter, with inspector-in-charge Dheeraj Lenka stating that they are reviewing CCTV footage to piece together the events. He reiterated that frisking procedures mandate that female students should only be checked by female staff. If substantial evidence emerged from the investigation, legal action would be pursued against the accused.
However, the principal of Pattamundai College, Dilip Kumar Bhuyan, refuted the allegations, claiming that female students are routinely frisked by female staff members. The college maintains that the accusations of a male teacher engaging in inappropriate actions during this process are unfounded. The complexities surrounding this tragedy highlight the essential need for strict adherence to procedural guidelines in educational institutions to protect students from potential harassment.
In a separate but related incident in Kerala, a case was initiated against six students and two teachers after a girl was reportedly subjected to itching powder thrown at her. This incident highlights persistent issues of bullying in schools. As conversations surrounding suicide continue to emerge, the importance of suicide prevention resources must also be emphasized. Major helplines in India, such as 011-23389090 from Sumaitri and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation, are available for support after distressing events.
The tragic death of the Odisha student emphasizes the critical importance of enforcing proper procedural guidelines in schools to prevent harassment. While the investigation is ongoing, the need for protective measures for students during examinations remains pressing. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of bullying incidents underlines the necessity for rigorous oversight in educational environments. Mental health support options are crucial for those affected by such distressing situations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
