A mob went on a rampage on the campus of the school following the student's death
The death of a schoolgirl in Tamil Nadu has sparked massive protests against a private residential school and allegations from the teen's family in Kallakurichi, around 260 km from Chennai. The girl died by suicide, say the police.
The Madras High Court today ordered a second post-mortem, a day after a mob went on the rampage on the school campus, trashing classrooms, vandalizing property and setting cars on fire. The court directed the police to take tough action against the rioters and those who incited them.
The principal secretary and correspondent of the school have been detained in connection with the suicide. More than 100 suspects have been taken into custody for rioting.
Chief Minister MK Stalin underscored that violence impedes growth and that only a peaceful Tamil Nadu can be an inclusive Tamil Nadu.
"Kallakurichi incidents have caused so much of pain. Educational institutions must think of students as their own children and teach. Anything happening against this, I warn we will make you stand before law and punish. Exploiting this tragic incident some have joined together and acted against law. All should realise violence is against growth. Only a peaceful Tamil Nadu can be an inclusive Tamil Nadu," said Mr Stalin.
On July 13, the girl allegedly jumped off the third floor of the hostel building. Police said she left a note that says she was struggling in several subjects and that she was humiliated by her teachers.
Her family alleges that two teachers had mentally harassed and humiliated her.
The girl's parents have alleged that a wall near the spot where she was found dead had the mark of a bloodied palm. They have claimed that his points to a physical struggle.
The first post-mortem report mentioned "abrasions", according to the police.
Relatives of the girl and people belonging to her village in Cuddalore district have been protesting outside the school.
Yesterday, protesters clashed with the police and set at least 15 buses on fire. The incident left several people, including senior police officers, injured. The district administration has issued prohibitory orders until July 31.
The court has also asked police to take strict action against those conducting social media trials. It has said deaths in educational institutions must be investigated by the state probe body, CB-CID, in the future.