Thrippunithura: With protests gaining momentum across Kerala over the tragic suicide of 15-year-old Mihir Ahmed after enduring relentless bullying by his classmates, prominent figures in the Kerala film industry of the like actor Prithviraj and music director Kailas Menon have decried it.

Actor Prithviraj responded to the incident with a message on his Instagram story that read, “Parents, Homes, Teachers, Schools...EMPATHY... is lesson No: 1.” His post stressed the importance of fostering empathy in educational environments and called for a societal shift towards greater understanding and compassion in the way we treat young people.

Music director Kailas Menon also voiced his shock and outrage, condemning the incident as “totally shocking” and calling for a thorough investigation into Mihir’s death. “This is totally shocking, and I can't believe this has happened in a school in Kerala! The relevant authorities must conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice for Mihir and his family,” Menon stated.

He further spoke about the harmful culture of bullying and “slut-shaming” that persists in schools, stressing the lasting emotional damage such behaviour can cause. Menon recalled a personal experience of losing a loved one to depression caused by similar abuse, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change. He urged parents to engage more deeply with their children and create a supportive home environment. His statement concluded with the hashtag, “#JusticeForMihir.”

Mihir’s mother has accused his classmates of subjecting him to cruel ragging, including making fun of his skin colour, forcing him to lick a toilet seat, and pushing his face inside the toilet before flushing it. Screenshots of conversations have surfaced, revealing the bullies making fun of and enjoying conversations about his suicide.

In the wake of Mihir's death on 15th January, a group of his classmates launched a “Justice for Mihir” campaign on social media, sharing evidence of the bullying. However, the group was deleted within days, raising concerns among Mihir's family and the public about the handling of the case. Mihir's maternal uncle, Sharif, confirmed that they had filed a formal complaint with the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police (DGP), after receiving little action from the school.

The school has stated that it has handed over the details of the complaint to the police and is cooperating with the investigation. However, the family remains in search of justice, as protests continue to call for stronger anti-bullying policies and greater accountability in educational institutions.