Mon Feb 03 19:10:00 IST 2025: ## Kerala Teen’s Suicide Sparks Outrage, Demands for Accountability
**Kochi, Kerala –** The suicide of 15-year-old Mihir Ahammed, allegedly due to brutal bullying at his school in Kochi, has ignited widespread outrage and calls for stricter anti-ragging measures. Mihir jumped from his family’s 26th-floor apartment on January 15th, just an hour after returning from school.
His mother, Rajna PM, alleges that Mihir was subjected to relentless physical and psychological torment, including beatings, verbal abuse, and forced humiliation, culminating in being made to lick a toilet seat and have his head flushed. She further claims the bullying targeted his skin color and that the school attempted to cover up the incidents.
A special police investigation team has been formed following Rajna’s complaint to the Chief Minister and state police chief. The case has drawn national attention, with Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressing their condolences and demanding justice.
Rahul Gandhi stated that bullying is not harmless and destroys lives, emphasizing the need for schools to be safe havens for children. He called for accountability for both the bullies and those who failed to act. Priyanka Gandhi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the heartbreaking nature of Mihir’s mother’s account and urging authorities to prevent similar tragedies.
Several prominent actors, including Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, have also voiced their concerns about the prevalent ragging culture and the need for empathy and stricter enforcement of anti-ragging laws. The incident has underscored the urgent need for addressing bullying and creating safer learning environments for children in Kerala.
First Piper 