Tripunithura, Kerala: The Kerala General Education Department has stepped up its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mihir, a ninth-grade student of a private school in Kochi.

The child died by suicide after jumping from the 26th floor of his apartment complex in Tripunithura. As part of the inquiry, the Director of General Education will visit Kochi on Monday to record statements from Mihir’s parents, school officials, and other concerned individuals.

Authorities have instructed all relevant parties to appear at the Ernakulam Deputy Director’s office on Monday. Meanwhile, Mihir’s mother has already provided her statement as part of the ongoing investigation.

In a related development, the school management announced the suspension of Binu Asis, vice principal of Kochi Gems Modern Academy, where Mihir had previously studied. The suspension, the school clarified, is intended to ensure an impartial investigation. Police had earlier summoned and questioned Binu Asis regarding the case.

The teen's death has raised serious concerns about student well-being and school accountability, prompting widespread discussions on mental health support and institutional responsibility in educational environments. With the investigation intensifying, more developments are expected in the coming days as officials work to uncover the circumstances that led to Mihir’s tragic death.