Coimbatore Student Death: Two Juveniles Arrested Sent to Observation Home

Coimbatore: Two juveniles were arrested on Friday in connection with the alleged caste-based harassment of A. Akilan (16), a Class XI student of K.K. Naidu School in Peelamedu, who allegedly died by suicide.

The case was registered based on a complaint lodged by the student's mother, Soundarya Devi (41), on October 21. It was filed under Sections 115(2) and 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Police said the investigation revealed that the two juveniles had allegedly subjected Akilan to caste-based harassment. Both were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to a government observation home.

Meanwhile, investigations are continuing into allegations levelled by Soundarya Devi against a teacher, P. Vijayakumar, and the headmaster, Arunkumar S. Police questioned 30 students, teachers and other witnesses regarding allegations linked to educational assistance and the consumption of beef.

The District Educational Officer and Child Welfare Officer conducted separate inquiries and submitted reports. A post-mortem examination is expected to provide further evidence regarding the cause and time of death. Five special teams led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Thangadurai are collecting CCTV footage and forensic evidence.

Police said the investigation was proceeding transparently and urged the public to refrain from circulating unverified information and rumours.