The suicide of 14-year-old Aasir Nanda C, a Class 9 student at St Dominic’s Convent English Medium School in Sreekrishnapuram, Palakkad, has sent shockwaves through Kerala. Her grieving family has accused the school authorities of mentally tormenting her, ultimately driving her to take her own life on June 23, shortly after returning home from school.
Her parents allege she was traumatised after being shifted to the E division of Class 9 due to her academic scores. The school’s handling of the issue—without regard for her mental health—has come under intense scrutiny. A police complaint filed on June 25 named school principal Sr Joisy and class teacher Stella for allegedly subjecting Aasir Nanda to emotional abuse.
According to her cousin Vishnu, she was coerced into writing a note stating she would return to Class 8 if her performance remained poor. “This move isolated her. The new class barely had five girls, and she lost all her close friends,” he said. Earlier, her parents had considered moving her to another school, but Aasir declined as she wished to stay with her friends.
Amid mounting protests, five staff members—including Sr Joisy and three teachers—have been dismissed. The Student Federation of India also held a protest march demanding justice. Authorities, including the District Education Department and Collector, are investigating.
A classmate revealed Aasir had named the principal and three teachers in a note blaming them for her death—though her family wasn’t aware of such a message.