A ninth-grade student in Assam’s Cachar district was found dead inside his hostel bathroom early Wednesday morning, police said, adding that preliminary investigation indicates it is a case of suicide.
According to police, the 15-year-old was a resident of the Cachar area and recently faced internal disciplinary measures that led to his temporary suspension from school.
“We received information at around 6 am today and according to CCTV footage from the hostel, it appears that the incident took place around 4 am,” said Shankar Dayal, officer-in-charge of Lakhipur police station.
The family members of the deceased later filed a First Information Report (FIR), following which a case was registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Dayal said.
Police said family members accused three senior students of abetting suicide. “We are checking the age of the accused students. If they are below a certain age, investigation and questioning will be done under the Juvenile Justice Act,” a police official said.
The body has been sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) for autopsy, he added.
According to family members, the student had joined the school about six months ago after passing the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LEST). He had returned to the hostel on Sunday after spending a week at home.
The father said he spoke to his son on the hotel phone at around 9pm on Tuesday, just hours before the accident.
The father said: “He asked me whether I had dinner and whether everything was fine at home. I advised him to obey his elders and teachers and behave well with everyone. He had exams from Friday, so I also asked him to study well. But he did not mention facing any problems or quarrels.”
The school principal expressed his sadness over the incident and said that a three-level investigation had been opened.
“A three-level investigation was immediately initiated at the school level, state government level and Navodaya administration level,” Kumar said.
He added that the school has an anti-vandalism committee, and stressed that these allegations will be carefully examined. “We fully understand the concerns of parents. If anyone is found guilty, due process will be followed and necessary action will be taken,” he said.
Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides can be prevented. If you need support or know someone who does, please contact your nearest mental health professional.
Helplines: Al-Asra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha Foundation India: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secunderabad) Contact Numbers: 040-66202001, 040-66202000; One Life: Contact Number: 78930 78930, Seva: Contact Number: 09441778290
