Bullied over eating beef? Dalit boy dies by suicide in Tamil Nadu; two classmates arrested

Coimbatore: Two Class 11 students have been arrested in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore following the death by suicide of a 16-year-old Dalit boy who was allegedly subjected to caste-based bullying and harassment over his consumption of beef, police said on Saturday.

The two accused, who were classmates of the deceased, were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and subsequently sent to an observation home.

The incident has also prompted action against school authorities, with the management suspending headmaster S Arunkumar and class teacher P Vijayakumar over allegations that they failed to intervene despite being informed about the harassment.

Both teachers have been detained by police for questioning. A report detailing the disciplinary action taken against them has been submitted to the district education department.

The 16-year-old boy died by suicide at his residence in Peelamedu on October 21, allegedly following prolonged caste-based discrimination and bullying at school.

According to a police complaint filed by his mother, the harassment had intensified approximately two months before his death.

Family members alleged that two of his classmates repeatedly targeted him with casteist remarks and insults over his dietary preference, particularly his consumption of beef.

They further claimed that the boy had approached both his class teacher and the headmaster seeking intervention, but his complaints were allegedly ignored.

Despite bringing the matter to the attention of school authorities, the harassment reportedly continued, his relatives alleged.

Police have registered a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Further investigation is underway.