Panel begins probe into school girl’s suicide

Coimbatore: The State Commission for Protection for Children’s Rights on Thursday began an investigation into the suicide of a 17-year-old student after an alleged sexual assault by her school teacher.

The commission chairperson Saraswathi Rangaswamy, along with three members, questioned 13 witnesses. They included the girl’s parents and classmates.

Talking to reporters later, Rangaswamy said a report on the probe would be submitted soon to the Tamil Nadu government.

The girl died by suicide in her house on November 11 alleging sexual harassment by the teacher, who was arrested under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act and remanded in custody.

The principal of the school was also arrested under the Act for not taking action on the girl’s complaint and lodged in jail.