Mihir suicide case: School officials refute ragging allegations, cite lack of evidence

Kakkanad: The private school where ninth-grade student Mihir attended has denied claims of ragging or harassment following his suicide on January 15.

According to Global Public School authorities, there is no evidence to suggest that Mihir faced any issues at the school, and neither teachers nor classmates have reported any incidents of bullying or ragging.

In a letter addressed to Mihir’s parents, the school clarified that the investigation so far had not found any supporting evidence or witness statements to justify the allegations of harassment. The authorities emphasised that no complaints of ragging were received prior to Mihir’s death, with his mother’s complaint being filed only after the tragedy occurred.

Complaint referred to police, no confession from classmates or teachers

Mihir’s mother had named several students in a complaint submitted to the Trippunithura Hill Palace police, but the school maintains that none of Mihir’s classmates or teachers admitted to any form of mistreatment. Statements were taken from the students, yet no one corroborated the allegations of ragging.

The school officials also addressed the Instagram post in which Mihir’s mother mentioned the names of other students. However, they stated that simply being named in the post is not sufficient grounds to take action against the students involved. The authorities made it clear that any measures would require concrete evidence or statements, none of which were found during the investigation.

School cooperates with authorities

Global Public School has stated its commitment to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The authorities assured that if instructed by the police or the General Education Department, they would take the necessary steps.

During the statement collection process, school officials were asked to provide No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the institutions involved, including both Global Public School and Gems Modern Academy, where Mihir had studied previously. However, Director of General Education, S Shanavas, revealed that these documents had not been submitted yet. Schools in Kerala, whether following CBSE or ICSE curricula, are required to obtain an NOC from the state government before operating. The Director stated that further time would be granted for submission before the matter is recommended for further action.