14-Year-Old Student Found Dead in Kerala, School Faces Harassment Allegations

Student organisations staged protest marches to a private school in Perinthalmanna on Friday following the alleged suicide of a 14-year-old student , even as police continued their investigation into claims of academic harassment by teachers.

The deceased, identified as Tejas P , was found hanging in his bedroom on the morning of May 2, police said. His family has alleged that sustained humiliation and pressure from teachers over academic performance pushed the Class 9 student into severe mental distress.

Speaking to reporters, the boy’s father, Hareesh P, claimed his son was frequently reprimanded and insulted in front of classmates at the private management school where he studied. He further alleged that when the family considered shifting him to another institution, school authorities threatened to place a “red mark” on his transfer certificate, allegedly warning that it could affect future admissions.

“He was under immense tension. That is the main reason behind his death,” the father alleged. School authorities, however, denied the accusations during statements recorded by police, officials said. Police have not registered charges against any teacher so far and said the investigation is ongoing.

The incident triggered protests by student organisations including the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) , the Muslim Students Federation (MSF) and the Fraternity Movement , which demanded action against the teachers allegedly involved.

Police initially blocked protesters from reaching the school and later detained several activists after demonstrations intensified. According to officials, SFI activists managed to enter the school compound and staged a sit-in protest near the main entrance before being removed by police.

A heavy police presence remains deployed outside the school amid fears of further demonstrations. The incident has once again drawn attention to concerns over academic pressure, public shaming and mental stress among school students . While cases of student suicides linked to exam stress or alleged institutional pressure are reported across India every year, educationists and child rights activists say many incidents go underreported due to stigma and lack of mental health support systems in schools.