School releases statement on Mihir’s suicide

Kochi: The Global Public School (GPS) in Thiruvaniyoor has released a detailed statement regarding the suicide of Class IX student Mihir Ahammed and on their internal investigation findings. The school in its statement said they conducted thorough inquiries with students, parents, teachers regarding the alleged incidents of bullying and harassment but did not find any evidence to prove them."There was no evidence or eyewitness and all of them completely denied any such incident. The complaint from the mother and the copies of the social media screenshots that she shared were immediately handed over to the SHO of Hill palace police station," read the statement.According to it, on Jan 14, an incident occurred involving Mihir and some of his friends. The next day, Mihir's stepfather attended a meeting held at the school along with him and was advised that such incidents should not be repeated. "Even on that day no complaints or issues about the school were reported by the parents," said the statement.The school officials noted that Mihir attended his business studies revision the following day, with CCTV footage showing him participating actively in the class. "In the afternoon, he boarded the bus as usual. As he was sleeping on his way back home, the ayah (helper) woke him up and he deboarded the bus around 2:50pm. Thereafter, what happened before his death was known to us only from media reports", the school authorities said.Mother refutes report: Mihir's mother Rajna PM on Tuesday refuted the statement issued by GPS. She accused the school of distorting facts and deflecting responsibility. She stated that Mihir was not expelled from his previous school GEMS Modern Academy but was transferred by the family. She revealed that a formal written complaint about bullying was filed on Jan 23 which, according to the parent, contradicts the school's assertion that they learned about it only through social media. She alleged that the school failed to act despite prior complaints against the same group of students. "I am calling on the authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, not only into the incidents of bullying and ragging but also into the school's handling of the case. As a grieving mother, I will not stop until the truth is revealed, and those responsible, whether students, administrators, or others, are held accountable," said Rajna in her statement. Additionally, a special investigation team (SIT) investigating the case has included charges for abetment to suicide.