A 13-year-old girl in Anekal, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, reportedly died by suicide after allegedly being penalised for incomplete homework. Madhushree, a Class 8 student at Marasuru Government High School, was found by her mother on Thursday morning.

A handwritten note left behind by the teenager detailed an alleged experience of humiliation and physical abuse.

In her final words, the student alleged that a teacher punished her for failing to complete her schoolwork. The penalty was a fine of Rs 20.

However, the note claims the punishment went much further. The student accused school staff of beating her at least 10 times and threatening her with a Transfer Certificate (TC), a move that would effectively expel her from the school. The alleged threat of expulsion reportedly left the child emotionally distressed.

Her mother, Girija, expressed her shock and grief to reporters, saying it appeared the teachers had been "torturing" her daughter. Madhushree had missed school for one day but had not shared her struggles with her family before taking the extreme step.

Theft allegations and classroom conflict

The tragedy followed a week of mounting tension. Police investigations revealed that Madhushree and her classmates had allegedly coined a nickname for a teacher. This led to three days of questioning by the headmistress after other students identified her as being responsible.

While the school reportedly had a regular practice of collecting fines of Rs 10 or Rs 20 for incomplete work, police are investigating whether the alleged humiliation linked to the "nickname" episode pushed her over the edge.

Crucially, investigators have addressed rumours of theft that began circulating after the incident. Police have explicitly stated that allegations of the student stealing money are untrue.

"The fines collected for incomplete homework have no connection with this case, and the allegations of theft are not true," a police officer confirmed.

Official investigation underway

The Suryanagar police have registered a case of unnatural death and recorded statements from students and school staff. A departmental inquiry has also been launched by field education officers. The school's headmistress has not responded to requests for comment.

The family is now grieving the loss of the teenager, while investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding her death.

(If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or having thoughts of suicide, seek support from a trusted person or a mental health professional. In Kerala, the DISHA helpline is available on 1056 (toll-free) and 0471-2552056.