16-Year-Old Student Found Dead In Kerala School, Education Minister Orders Probe

Benson's family informed the police that he had been given until Friday to submit a school project, but they were unsure if this was related to his death

A 16-year-old student was found hanging inside Kuttichal Government Vocational Higher Secondary School (GVHSS) on Friday morning. The deceased, identified as Benson Abraham, a Class 11 student and resident of Erumakuzhy, was found dead when the school opened for the day.

The incident has prompted Kerala’s General Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, to order a thorough investigation. The Deputy Director (Curriculum) of the Vocational Higher Secondary section has been directed to probe the circumstances leading to the student’s death.

According to reports, Benson had been missing since Thursday evening and his family informed the police that he had been given until Friday to submit a school project, but they were unsure if this was related to his death, as per a report on India Today. 

The family has accused a school clerk of contributing to the tragedy. It has been claimed that Benson had attempted to use the school office seal on his project without permission, which led to a confrontation with the clerk, as reported by The New Indian Express. The clerk reportedly reprimanded Benson and the family believes this incident deeply affected him. They have demanded action against the clerk, alleging that his behavior was a key factor in the student’s decision to take such a drastic step.

The police are examining all possible angles, including academic pressure and alleged disciplinary actions by school staff.

Meanwhile, a Class 11 student became a victim of ragging in Kannur district of Kerala. On Friday, the police arrested five Class 12 students of Kolavallur PR Memorial School for ragging their junior. 

The seniors reportedly physically assaulted their junior which resulted in a fracture on the hand of the student. 

(If anyone faces mental health issues or knows anyone having suicidal feelings, seek emotional support with helpline numbers from suicide prevention organizations. DISHA-1056)

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