Published Feb 07, 2025 | 11:02 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 07, 2025 | 11:04 PM
Mihir Ahmed died by suicide due to alleged bullying by schoolmates.
Synopsis: In a fresh twist to the case of Mihir Ahammed’s death by suicide last month, his Qatar-based father, Shafeeq Madampatt, has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death and filed a police complaint, demanding a forensic investigation of his son’s electronic devices and questioning who was present in the apartment at the time.
The death of 15-year-old student Mihir Ahammed’s death by suicide at a Kochi apartment complex has taken a new turn, with his Qatar-based father demanding a forensic investigation of the boy’s electronic devices.
Shafeeq Madampatt, originally from Malappuram has raised serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding his son’s death, particularly focusing on the crucial half-hour before the incident. Ahammed was residing with his mother, Rajna, and stepfather, Saleem, in Thrippunithura, Kochi, at the time of his death.
According to Madampatt, Ahammed returned home from school to Choice Paradise apartment around 3 pm on 15 January in a cheerful mood, but within 30 minutes, jumped from the 26th floor of the building. This dramatic shift in behaviour during such a brief period has led the father to suspect critical events that warrant thorough investigation.
Upon learning about the tragedy, Madampatt immediately travelled to Thrippunithura. After the post-mortem was conducted at Kalamassery Medical College and legal formalities were completed, Ahammed body was taken to Kalpetta for burial at the Muttil Juma Masjid.
He has called for a forensic examination of Ahammed’s mobile phone and laptop, believing they might contain crucial details about the incident.
Madampatt, deeply unsettled by the circumstances, filed a complaint with the Hill Palace police on 21 January, urging them to conduct a comprehensive probe.
His primary concerns include the lack of clarity regarding who was present in the apartment at the time of Ahammed’s death, and the conversation Ahammed had with his stepfather shortly before his death.
He has also raised concerns about allegations that Ahammed was facing distress but did not receive adequate emotional support or counselling.
Additionally, Madampatt pointed to Ahammed’s desire to change schools, as he had reportedly registered for admission at a Kodaikanal school with his parents’ consent on December 13.
Further issues include the lack of communication with Madampatt regarding Ahammed’s transfer from his previous school, which was done without his consent or Ahammed’s direct approval, and inconsistencies in statements provided by Ahammed’s mother and stepfather, which Madampatt believes must be scrutinised.
Madampatt has released screenshots of his chat history with Ahammed, which suggest that his son was unhappy and wished to be with him. These messages, he believes, warrant further investigation to determine whether Ahammed faced external pressures or threats.
The Hill Palace police have registered a case of suspected abetment to suicide. Additionally, the Puthencruz police are handling an inquiry into allegations of ragging.
Authorities have examined CCTV footage from Ahammed’s school and the apartment complex. Investigators have hinted at key findings but have yet to disclose conclusive details.
The inquiry team, led by Hill Palace Inspector AL Yesudas, is looking into possible external factors that may have contributed to Ahammed’s distress.
Despite these developments, some quarters have criticised the police for not treating the case with the gravity it deserves. Concerns have been raised about whether all angles, including possible bullying or harassment, have been adequately explored.
Ahammed’s sudden and unexpected demise has also raised broader concerns about the mental health and well-being of students. His father insists that Ahammed was a mentally strong and cheerful child, making it difficult for him to believe that his son would take such an extreme step without any provocation.
Moreover, Madampatt pointed out that Ahammed never mentioned any problems at school, leading him to suspect that issues beyond the school environment may have played a role.
This has fuelled his demand for a forensic analysis of Ahammed digital devices to uncover any hidden conversations or threats.
Meanwhile, the case has sparked discussions about student safety, emotional well-being, and the responsibilities of educational institutions and families in addressing signs of distress among young individuals.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
