In a tragic incident in Chennai, a 17-year-old Class 12 student named Kishore died by suicide on April 9, 2025, allegedly due to relentless bullying by his classmates. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the implementation of child protection policies in schools, as mandated by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). Here’s a detailed look at the case, the NCPCR guidelines, and the urgent need for anti-bullying measures.
Chennai Student Suicide: What Happened?
Kishore, a Class 12 student at a private school in Chennai, took his life at his home in Sendoor Park Apartment on Dr Gurusamy Road on Wednesday evening, April 9, 2025. According to reports, he jumped from his apartment building and was rushed to a private hospital, where he was declared dead. The Kilpauk police recovered the body and sent it for a postmortem to determine the exact cause of death.
Earlier that day, Kishore and his mother, a Tangedco employee, had submitted a written complaint to the school principal, alleging that three classmates had been bullying him. The complaint detailed how the classmates mocked Kishore’s appearance, calling him “ugly,” “skinny,” and “dark.” Despite the school acknowledging the complaint and promising an investigation, Kishore returned home visibly depressed, as per police statements.
Police Investigation Underway
The Kilpauk police have registered a case of unnatural death under Section 174 of the CrPC. Joint Commissioner of Police (East Chennai) P Vijayakumar stated, “As of now, we have registered a case of unnatural death. Only after further probe into the family’s allegations can we arrive at a definite course of action.” Authorities are also investigating whether Kishore left a suicide note and are looking into the school’s response to the bullying complaint.
NCPCR Guidelines: The Role of Child Protection Policies
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) mandates that every school in India adopt a Child Protection Policy with a zero-tolerance approach to ragging and bullying. Schools are also required to form a Child Protection Committee (CPC) to handle complaints, raise awareness, and take action against violations. The CPC should include teachers, parents, and student representatives to ensure a safe environment for children.
However, it remains unclear whether Kishore’s school had a functioning CPC at the time of the incident. The absence of such a committee could have delayed or hindered the school’s response to the bullying complaint, potentially contributing to the tragic outcome. The NCPCR guidelines emphasize the importance of immediate action in such cases, including counseling for victims and disciplinary measures for perpetrators.
The Devastating Impact of Bullying
Bullying can have severe psychological effects on students, often leading to depression, anxiety, and, in extreme cases, self-harm. Research shows that feeling unsafe at school impacts a student’s ability to learn and focus, as highlighted by the Committee for Children (2022). In Kishore’s case, the alleged bullying over his appearance reportedly left him deeply distressed, culminating in his tragic decision.
This incident stresses the urgent need for schools to implement robust anti-bullying programs, such as the Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit, which focuses on social-emotional learning to foster a safer school environment.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, authorities must ensure justice for Kishore and his family while addressing systemic gaps in child protection. For students and parents, this tragedy serves as a call to advocate for stronger anti-bullying measures and support systems in schools.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to a trusted adult, counselor, or helpline. In India, you can contact the Vandrevala Foundation Helpline at 9999666555 for support.
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