Parents, relatives protest against girls' suicide

Parents and relatives of two Class 10 students, who committed suicide on Tuesday, staged a protest in front of Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School on Wednesday seeking action against the two teachers who had allegedly harassed the two girls.

High drama unfolded as the family members of Priyanka J and Sonali Tandi placed their bodies in front of the school in Lakkasandra Extension and staged a demonstration for nearly three hours amid heavy police presence. 

The two girls had ended their lives by jumping into Sankey Tank. A death note alleged that Maria Laina, principal and Philomena Emmanuel, a teacher, used to harass them.

The protesters dispersed after Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy promised them that action will be taken after the government receives inquiry reports from the police and education department.

Meanwhile, the Sadashivanagar police have registered a case of abetment to suicide though nobody has been named in the FIR. A top police officer told Deccan Herald: “Laina and Philomena have been questioned. They said that as teachers they are responsible for disciplining students to ensure that they do well in their academics.”

Even as what really forced the girls to end their lives still remains a mystery, some classmates of Priyanka and Sonali said the two and some other girls in their class were tagged as “bad influence” and “mischievous” by teachers. They alleged the duo was frequently targeted by teachers, especially Philomena. “Priyanka was jovial, she used to crack jokes and make everyone laugh. Though she was not good in many subjects, her Kannada was excellent and she used to compere at school events.” Teachers always pick on weak students and insult them in front of others, claimed a classmate.  

A D’Souza, school administrator, said: “The students were playing Holi outside the school in their school uniform on Monday. We merely advised them not to waste time in such activities but concentrate on studies as the exams were nearing. We had said that we will inform their parents that it was better for them to stay at home and study rather than coming to school and wasting their time.”