Madurai, 31 August: Two schoolgirls from Madurai district, both belonging to Dalit families, died by suicide on consecutive days late last week, prompting criminal investigations and calls from families and rights groups for a probe into alleged caste-based harassment at their schools.
Police register cases; probe under SC/ST law
Madurai district police have registered separate criminal cases in both deaths, including provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, according to official records and reports. Investigations are under way to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths and whether any school authorities or others were involved in conduct that may have contributed to the incidents.
The first victim, Nisanthini, aged 16, died by suicide on 25 August. She was the daughter of Palanisamy and Thavamani and belonged to the Dalit Paraiyar community. Nisanthini, a resident of Thottappanayakkanur in the district, had scored 412 out of 500 in her Class 10 public examination and had plans to pursue nursing as a career, the record shows.
The second girl, Jeevitha, aged 15, died the following day. She had scored more than 450 marks in Class 10 and was reported to be among the top students in her school. Local relatives said both families alleged the girls were humiliated at school, and they have demanded a full inquiry into possible caste-based discrimination and mistreatment.
- Two deaths occurred on consecutive days: 25 and 26 August.
- Cases have been registered by police including under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
- Families and Dalit rights organisations have called for an independent probe into alleged caste-based harassment at the schools.
Community response and demands for inquiry
Relatives of the two girls told reporters they believed humiliation and mistreatment by teachers and school staff may have played a role in the tragedies, and they have pressed authorities to investigate whether caste-based discrimination was a factor. Dalit rights organisations in the district also demanded an impartial probe and immediate protection for the families while investigations proceed.
Police sources said statements were being recorded from family members, school staff and others who might shed light on the incidents. The registration of offences under the SC/ST Act indicates that investigators are treating the allegations seriously and will examine whether any of the acts complained of constitute offences under the law.
| Victim | Age | Class 10 Marks | Date of death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nisanthini | 16 | 412/500 | 25 August |
| Jeevitha | 15 | >450 | 26 August |
Education department officials have been asked to co-operate with the police inquiry. Local administrators are expected to review school records and disciplinary procedures, and to assess whether internal grievances were properly addressed prior to the deaths.
Legal experts said that once offences under the SC/ST Act are registered, investigators are required to follow specific procedural safeguards and the matter may attract oversight from higher police authorities or the district administration if the allegations involve public servants or where community tensions arise.
The deaths have renewed public attention on the vulnerability of students from marginalised communities and on mechanisms within schools to prevent and respond to harassment. Activists urged authorities to ensure transparent, time-bound probes and to consider counselling and support measures for affected families and classmates.
Investigations remain in progress and police have not issued a final report on the causes of death. Families have demanded a comprehensive inquiry and appropriate legal action if investigations substantiate allegations of caste-based humiliation or other misconduct by school personnel.
Further updates are expected as the police complete evidence collection and record statements from all relevant witnesses.
