The Kerala unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up its protest against the mysterious death of a 17-year-old Muslim girl who had died by suicide in a school run by the Al-Aman Education and Charitable Trust in Balaramapuram of Thiruvananthapuram. The girl's family, which also hails from the capital city, has alleged that she was subjected to mental harassment by a female teacher, a charge denied by the Trust authorities.
In connection with the incident, activists of BJP and some of its feeder organisations on Wednesday, May 17 took to the streets near the religious institution where the Class 12 girl was found dead on May 13. But as the activists, including those from BJP’s student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), marched down the streets, police prevented them from going forward.
Meanwhile, a special investigation team has been formed to probe the death. The team has reportedly intensified its probe and taken statements from a few students and others in the Trust.
A complaint filed by the girl's mother had alleged that circumstances surrounding her daughter's death are suspicious and that she was subjected to harassment at the institute. At around 2 pm on May 13, the girl had called her mother on the phone and asked her to reach the institution immediately. But the authorities allegedly did not allow the mother to meet her daughter. Later, she was informed that her daughter was found dead in the bathroom.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.