Shaju Philip

Thiruvananthapuram, July 5:A student of St Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram attempted suicide, after she was publicly stripped by her teacher who was searching for a mobile phone, which is banned in school. The girl, who consumed formalin, is battling for life in hospital.

The incident, which took place last week, came to light only two days ago when the girl was admitted to the hospital after she attempted suicide.

In her statement to the Valiyathura police, the girl alleged that the teacher had searched her for about 10 minutes.

Even though she told the teacher that she had not brought a mobile phone to class, the teacher continued her search and asked her to undress. A male teacher was also involved in the incident, the victim alleged. Unable to bear the humiliation, she consumed formalin, which she got from the school laboratory.

The police have also recorded statements of the victim’s classmates. Some of the students told the police such “searches” have been carried out in the past as well.

Health Minister P K Sreemathi, after visiting the girl, told the media that the Education Department would look into the matter. She also said that the Health Department would bear the cost of the victim’s treatment. Doctors treating the girl said that her internal organs have been damaged by formalin.

The girl lives with her grandmother in the city, while her mother works abroad. The girl's relatives alleged that the school authorities have told her classmates to change their statements, or they would be given poor marks in the internal assessment.

School authorities have not commented on the incident. Several student and women organisations have sought action against the teacher and the school management. The State Human Rights Commission has registered a suo moto case in the stripping of the plus-two student. The commission would soon record the girl’s statements.

editor@expressindia.com

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