'Schools must be safe havens for children yet he suffered relentless torment. Those responsible—both bullies and those who failed to act—must be held accountable,' Rahul Gandhi wrote.
Published Feb 03, 2025 | 1:43 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 03, 2025 | 2:58 PM
Mihir’s mother Rajna revealed shocking details about the events leading up to her son’s tragic death.
The death of Mihir Ahammed, a 15-year-old student from Kochi, who died by suicide has shaken the Kerala society.
Following the reason for the suicide— bullying and ragging, coming to light, many people and leaders across the country have called for stricter measures and demanded accountability.
The incident occurred on 15 January at Choice Paradise Tower in Thrippunithura. Mihir, the son of Salim and Rajna, fell from the 26th floor of the flat and died instantly. He was a student at Thiruvaniyoor Global Public School.
The family became aware of Mihir’s traumatic experiences through social media chats received from his friends after his death. They have filed a complaint against Global Public School, alleging that Mihir was subjected to inhumane punishments even for minor mistakes.
The Thrippunithura Hill Palace Police registered an FIR under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) on 15 January, following a complaint filed by Robin Jose and Jose Mathew, the owners of Choice Paradise Tower.
In Kerala, the Opposition Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi also have voiced their concern and condolences.
MP Rahul Gandhi took to X to condone bullying. He wrote, “The tragic loss of Mihir Ahammed to suicide due to bullying in a Kerala school is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to his family. No child should endure what Mihir faced.”
“Schools must be safe havens for children yet he suffered relentless torment. Those responsible—both bullies and those who failed to act—must be held accountable.”
Stating that bullying isn’t harmless and that it destroys lives, he added, “Parents must teach kindness, love, empathy, and the courage to speak up. Believe your child if they say they’re being bullied, and intervene if they are the bully.”
The tragic loss of Mihir Ahammed to suicide due to bullying in a Kerala school is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to his family.
No child should endure what Mihir faced. Schools must be safe havens for children yet he suffered relentless torment. Those responsible—both…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 2, 2025
The student wing NSUI retiterating Rahul Gandhi’s demand wrote on X: “Schools must be safe spaces, yet Mihir suffered torment. Those responsible—both bullies and those who failed to act—must be held accountable.”
Schools must be safe spaces, yet Mihir suffered torment. Those responsible—both bullies and those who failed to act—must be held accountable.
Bullying destroys lives. Parents, teachers, and institutions must foster empathy and take action. NSUI demands justice and safer schools… pic.twitter.com/ue7RWUl47k
— NSUI (@nsui) February 3, 2025
Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi also expressed her condolences to Mihir’s family and demanded stricter laws to be implemented to prevent ragging.
She wrote on X: “Reading the letter written by Mihir’s mother is heartbreaking. As mothers, all we wish for, is the safety and happiness of our children. I cannot even imagine the pain and anger she must feel to know that her child was tortured and hounded in the way she has described. Her fight for justice is an act of bravery and fortitude.”
Demanding accountability, she added, “The school authorities should have the courage to acknowledge the reality of this crime, accept responsibility and not attempt to cover it up. It is their duty, and the duty of the state government to do all they can to provide justice for Mihir.”
“How can we allow children to be subjected to this kind of cruelty and criminality and do nothing? It’s about time strict laws are brought in to prevent ragging and protect young people who deserve safety and support as they build their futures. My heart goes out to you Rajna, I stand with you in your fight for justice.”
Reading the letter written by Mihir’s mother is heartbreaking. As mothers, all we wish for, is the safety and happiness of our children. I cannot even imagine the pain and anger she must feel to know that her child was tortured and hounded in the way she has described. Her fight…
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) February 3, 2025
United Democratic Front (UDF) convener MM Hassan has written to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan demanding a thorough investigation into the death of Mihir Ahmed.
During a visit to the grieving family, Hassan was informed directly by Mihir’s parents about the brutal nature of the bullying.
In his letter, Hassan urged the chief minister to instruct the General Education and Home Departments to take exemplary action to prevent such violent incidents from reoccurring in educational institutions.
He emphasized that strict measures should be implemented to curb ragging and bullying in schools, calling for accountability from authorities responsible for student safety.
The General Education Directorate on Monday stated that the explanations provided by Global Public School and GEMS Modern Academy regarding the suicide of student Mihir lack clarity.
In response, the directorate has decided to inspect whether these institutions possess the necessary NOC for operation.
Further action is expected to be taken based on the findings of the inspection.
(If you need support or know someone who has suicidal thoughts, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist or contact the helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families. Tele-MANAS: 14416; Life Suicide Prevention: 7893078930; Arogya Vani: 104; Sahay Helpline: 080-25497777; Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584.)
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman and Dileep V Kumar)
