Two Classmates Arrested in Coimbatore Student Suicide Case Over Caste Harassment

Two minor students were arrested in Coimbatore on Friday, October 23, 2026, following the death of a 16-year-old Class XI student from a Scheduled Caste community who ended his life two days earlier. Police produced the two arrested classmates before the Juvenile Justice Board, and they were sent to an observation home for juveniles in Papanaickenpalayam. Investigators said the two classmates subjected the victim, identified as A. Akilan, to caste-based harassment. Women police personnel recorded statements from school staff and students as part of the probe. The investigation also covers allegations made by the victim's mother against teacher P. Vijayakumar and headmaster Arunkumar S. According to the First Information Report, the mother alleged that teacher P. Vijayakumar forced her son and four other students who consume beef to stand up in the classroom two months ago. The mother stated that the two arrested classmates tortured Akilan continuously after that incident, and that the headmaster failed to take action. Police confirmed that Akilan did not leave a suicide note, and officers are looking into all claims made by the parents. Protesters including the victim's family, relatives, and members of political groups such as the DMK, CPI (M), May 17 Movement, and Samooga Neethi Katchi gathered at the Coimbatore Collectorate. They met District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar to submit a petition demanding the arrest of everyone accused of abetting the student's death. Meanwhile, the school management suspended headmaster Arunkumar S. and teacher P. Vijayakumar on Thursday, October 22, to allow for a fair inquiry into the allegations of caste-related remarks.

Context

Caste-based discrimination and harassment in educational institutions remain serious social and legal issues in India, often drawing swift administrative action and public protests. Government-aided schools operate under specific regulatory frameworks where managements hold the authority to suspend staff pending inquiries into workplace misconduct. Police investigations in such cases typically involve recording witness testimonies from peers and teachers alongside reviewing formal police complaints.