Chhattisgarh: 15-year-old girl dies by suicide; principal arrested for alleged molestation

NEW DELHI: A 15-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide in the study room of a private school after accusing the principal of molesting and sexually harassing her in Chhattisgarh's Jashpur district, officials said. The principal was arrested after the class 9 student allegedly used a saree to hang herself from a rod of the ceiling on Sunday evening.

The school is located in a village under the Bagicha police station limits, Jashpur Senior Superintendent of Police Shashimohan Singh on Monday said, adding the deceased was a resident of the Sitapur area in neighbouring Surguja district. Police found a suicide note at the spot, which accused the school principal, Kuldipan Topno, of molestation and sexual harassment, following which he was arrested, the official said.

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Documents seized for investigation

A case was registered, and further investigation was underway, he added. A joint team comprising officials of the education, tribal, and police departments conducted an inquiry following the incident. Preliminary findings indicated that the hostel on the school campus was unauthorised, officials said.

"Of the 124 students enrolled from classes 6 to 12 in the school, a total of 22 boys and 11 girls were staying in the hostel, which was allegedly being operated without mandatory permissions. All relevant documents have been seized," tribal department's assistant commissioner Sanjay Singh said. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered. The exact reason behind the incident will be ascertained only after the investigation, Bagicha Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pradeep Rathiya said.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.