Coimbatore student ends life; family alleges harassment by teacher, classmates over caste, beef consumption
A 16-year-old student in Coimbatore died by suicide following alleged harassment by his teacher and classmates regarding his caste and dietary habits. The school principal and the teacher have been booked for abetting the suicide, with the teacher already in police custody.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the persistent issue of caste-based discrimination and bullying within educational institutions, sparking concerns about student safety and institutional accountability.
Coimbatore student ends life; family alleges harassment by teacher, classmates over caste, beef consumption left Relatives of the deceased student at Peelamedu police station in Coimbatore late on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Special Arrangement The Hindu https://th-i.thgim.com/public/news/cities/Coimbatore/x9439b/article71610789.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Peelamedu%20police%20station.jpeg The Peelamedu police booked two classmates of the Class 11 student, his teacher Vijayakumar, and the school’s principal Arunkumar late on Wednesday on charges of abetting suicide; the teacher was arrested on Thursday COIMBATORE A Class 11 student at a government-aided school in Coimbatore, who belongs to a Scheduled Caste community, ended his life on Wednesday (October 21, 2026) following alleged harassment by a few classmates and a teacher over his caste and eating habits. The student A. Akilan’s mother alleged that the teacher Vijayakumar made five students, including her son, who consume beef, stand up in the classroom two months ago.
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