Child rights panel orders counselling for Kannadi students

The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights visited Kannadi Higher Secondary School at Kannadi near here on Friday in connection with a controversial death of a 14-year-old student two weeks ago.

Commission Chairperson K.V. Manoj Kumar directed the State Women and Child Development Department to offer psychological counselling to all students of the deceased boy’s class.

Mr. Kumar said that several students were found to have been disturbed following the suicide of their friend over an alleged scolding incident. The ninth standard student had reportedly ended his life after he was allegedly threatened by his class teacher over an Instagram message.

“We want all students of that hapless child’s class be given counselling,” said Mr. Kumar, who also visited the deceased boy’s mother at her house at Pallanchathanur. “She too badly needs mental support,” said Mr. Kumar.

The school management suspended class teacher Asha and headmistress Lissy after the boy’s death triggered protests. The police are yet to complete their investigation into the incident.

Mr. Kumar said that any further action would be on the basis of the findings in the police investigation.

Education Minister V. Sivankutty too has asked the Director of General Education to conduct an inquiry into the incidents leading to the boy’s death.