Unable to Access Online Classes, Gifted Kerala Student Kills Self
A 10th grader, killed herself as she was unable to attend the online classes that began on 1 June.
It was a tragic day for the Balakrishnan household, as his 14-year-old daughter, killed herself on Monday, allegedly for being unable to attend the online classes that began on 1 June.
The 10th grader lived in the Mankeri Dalit colony in Walanchery in Kerala’s Malappuram district. She had bagged the Ayyankali scholarship and was anxious she was not able to attend online classes, reported Asianet.
Investigation revealed that she had self-immolated herself with a bottle of kerosene. Her body was found in an abandoned house in the neighbourhood.
Balakrishnan and Sheeba’s child, was academically good, according to reports. Police sources retrieved a suicide note that said, “I am leaving.”
Balakrishnan is a daily wage labourer and his family was going through a financial crisis. He had reportedly injured his arm two months ago. The family had no means of earning due to the lockdown. The family has a television set, but even that got damaged a few days ago.
State Education Minister C Raveendranath has asked for a report from the District Education Officer on the child’s death.
Kerala officials are now finding out from students across the state how many have the resources to take online classes.
The state has restarted classes for school students from LKG to Class XII with experimental virtual classes. Students can take these classes on YouTube or through the government-run education channel Kite Victers.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)