Bengaluru: Child rights body orders police inquiry into student's suicide


Bengaluru, Jan 22 (DHNS): The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken suo motu notice of the suicide of Monali Mahala, who was a 10th standard student at National Public School, HSR layout, Bengaluru.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Father Edward Thomas, a member of the commission, said a letter was being sent to the police and the concerned block education officer seeking an inquiry into Monali’s death.

The Child Rights Commission, a statutory body, has all powers of the Civil Court, while enquiring into any matter.

Monali Mahala was suspended from school on Monday by NPS school principal Chitra Rao for getting ‘physically intimate’ with a boy. The act of indecency was just a friendly hug in the playground, say the parents Dr Bjijay Kumar Mahala and Bijaylakshmi.

Bangalore Mirror has published two letters which was given by NPS to Monali’s parents.


Suspension of Monali Mahala

Suspension of Monali Mahala studying in Grade 10 on account of serious disciplinary misdemeanor

With respect to the above, I regret to inform you that Monali Mahala has been placed a one and half day suspension on disciplinary grounds. She has indulged in objectionable behaviour with a male classmate on the school premises. She can rejoin school on Wednesday, 21.01.2015. I trust you appreciate the seriousness of her misdemeanor and its impact on otherstudents. Yours sincerely Mrs Chitra Rao Principal


Demand for undertaking from Mohali and her parents

The principal National Public School HSR Layout Dear Madam, 1. I have been warned about my irresponsible behaviour in the school. 2. I shall not indulge in any unsavoury behaviour with students or staff. 3. I shall ascertain that my conduct and behaviour within and outside the school premises will always be exemplary. 4. I shall abide by all the stipulated rules and regulations of the school. If the above conditions are not met, I shall withdraw myself from the school.

Thanking you,
Yours sincerely


Upset over the harsh punishment given to her and the complaint letters sent by the school to her parents, Monali committed suicide by jumping from her apartment on Monday, Jan 19.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Greg D'Cunha, Doha Qatar/Bejai

    Sat, Jan 24 2015

    I agree with you Charlotte Dsouza. Hugging is a kind act. If a hug is considered to be an act of objectionable behaviour, then the principle should have educated them to not to repeat it (in a nice way) and made an announcement in college that if anyone does such an act, then they will be suspended. This would create an awareness among the students and if this is repeated by anyone in the future, then the Principal could have taken an action like this.
    Very sad to know her loss.

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Preethi, Bangalore

    Fri, Jan 23 2015

    first of all RIP monali.
    Secondly happy to see many minds are becoming matured and broad now a days - above responses are great proofs.

    Principal should be punished and given notice. similarly not only monali but also boys family also ought to have indulged into investigation. This shows generation mentality today. such people are not worth of any position and power.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shalini, kinnigoli/Mumbai

    Fri, Jan 23 2015

    Bring a principal, she should understand how to handle this sensitive situation. Teachers and principals need proper training on how to tackle children especially girls. She is of that age,if at all she did it,she could be told about it nicely . The principal being a lady and may be a mother should have dealt it well. Girls are more sensitive and emotional, or else why would she commit suicide. She was compelled to suicide. Pity the parents for losing such a precious child. Action should be taken on the principal.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • smita, U.S.

    Fri, Jan 23 2015

    Would like to know if a similar letter was given to the boys family?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Herold Pinto, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Fri, Jan 23 2015

    What the management did was right. Stop lecturing.

    DisAgree [18] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Charlotte, Dsouza

    Fri, Jan 23 2015

    Herold, what rubbish are you talking, Management is wrong. Looking at the current generation and the mindset of youngsters, this matter should have been handled tactfully calling her parents and talking to them in private rather than making a big issue and a shame for the girl for just hugging a boy. We need to change our mentality. She must have felt humiliated as to what her friends would say after going back to school. Principal should understand the pros and cons and dealt with this situation. Such a young girl was forced to die. Herold please dont comment something without thinking.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro , M'lore / Kwt

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    First of all suspension of the girl alone was too harsh as a punishment. The little girl might have felt highly embarrassed, humiliated and perhaps felt unbearable shame. I feel it was unfair on the part of the principal to punish the girl alone. What about the boy? Why was he left scot-free? Is he son of some influential person? In such cases, both should have been warned or action should have been taken against the two without discrimination. Definitely this one sidedness on the part the principal favoured the boy and alienated the girl, which unfortunately compelled her to resort to this horrible step.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shivappa, Mangaluru

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    Sir,
    which part of the above news makes you infer only girl was punished?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • PEDDU, MANGALURU

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    THEN WHY SOME ONE BARKING THAT TEACHERS MAKING FUTURE LEADERS OF NATION !!!

    DISCIPLINE IN LIFE MUST AND SHOULD OTHERWISE LIFE WILL BE BECOME "GOAT STORY"

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abdul Rafiq, Uchila / Dubai

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    EVERY ONE'S LIFE IS BECOMING TOUGH IN THIS WORLD DAY BY DAY ESPECIALLY IN INDIA. IF THE SCHOOL HAVE NOT TAKEN THE DISCIPLINARY ACTION, PEOPLE WOULD HAVE BLAMED THE PRINCIPAL AND SCHOOL MANAGEMENT. NOW EVERYBODY FINGER POINTING ON THEM FOR HER DEATH ALSO. WHAT THE PRINCIPAL AND SCHOOL MANAGEMENT CAN DO IN THIS REGARD?

    DisAgree [8] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • common man, Mangaluru

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    Although blaming does not help, being a principal I do want to say that the school principal has to take responsibility for the death!! I have handled similar cases and things go normal again... If that were a playful act of the child, she needed to be called aside and counselled in private, children are old enough to understand. A general warning could have been given to all...and a small letter from the girl with an undertaking that she will henceforth behave according to the rules of the school would have been enough.... and let the matter rest. This indeed was carrying the matter too far with a suspension!!... which is a public humiliation. very unfortunate indeed.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    I think I should have committed suicide so many times and so also
    many girls who were connected with m. Sometimes I was caught, most of the times not.When caught, i got benefit of doubt.
    Am I not here now giving advise on all such matters?
    1.What a waste of pretty life!
    2. Can one get it back.
    3. Wrong handling of matter by all concerned.No point blaming 'anyone'
    now.
    4. Peace be on that little girl.
    5.What police inquiry now? Nonsense.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Khan, Mlore / Jed

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    I would rather agree with comments of Mr Ramesh, Princi was right at her decision or parents may be were also right if they tried to advise the girl (if usually happens in a heated environment in our Indian culture). Anyway i would conclude it as an cowardly act by the Girl

    DisAgree [7] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Fri, Jan 23 2015

    @ Khan,mangalore,I wouldnt say it was cowardly from Girls side.She was not so mature to understand it.when Girl as principal says"Physically intimate"was then she should have called the Girl and cleared it.what is physically intimate I understand quite different.Instead she immediately tookout a paper and goes notice to parents.Too harsch punishment.She must have felt annoyed and ashamed in front of her costudents.I too at that time like her felt ashamed in front of other students as teacher put me outof class for not writing said notes.After that I left Hindi classes.so also i think this Girl felt.Now one is blaming other.but noone can bring back that Girl .Teachers should nowadays think about sensitivity of students and their immediate harsch steps taken.she could have clear with parents before punishment.Heartfelt sympathy to her Family.May the Girls Soul rest in peace.Hope in future teachers should think a bit before they take wrong decisions.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sampath, Mlore/ Blore

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    Really sad news.... May her soul RIP... This is a very tender age needs to be "handle with care". But cannot blame the principal she has done her part sincerely....

    But todays youth are not ready to face the world, parents must encourage their children, teach them that in life one needs to be bold. But we see that the children are "spoon fed" as a results they are roo scared to face the world and take extreme steps

    DisAgree [2] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • vellano1, Mumbai

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    STUPIDITY- on everyone part!.... the girl who committed suicide, to the Principal and school!! daada achieve maltar maaraya? rest in peace girl...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shivappa, Mangaluru

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    As usual many opinions come
    some blame the parents
    some blame the school and so on
    time to think practically
    verbal scolding by a teacher was enough for a student to take her life in one case
    why teacher will be interested about student's future if every time they are implicated when something goes wrong?
    today friendly hug - teachers ignore
    tomorrow friendly kiss - teachers ignore
    a friendly pat (male student to another male student) - ignore
    friendly fight - ignore
    murder attempt - ignore who cares?
    bring mobile to class - ignore
    if you scold / punish - students may take extreme step and then principal will be shown the jail
    Students have rights - teachers don't have enough.
    friendly hug - my foot
    why not the boy & girls want to have friendly hugs do that in their houses when their parents around?

    DisAgree [3] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • ramesh shettigar, mangalore

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    Mr.Shivappa, a realistic wonderful comment on the subject

    DisAgree [2] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • yogesh, bombay

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    10 std is for studying S.S.L.C. exam not for playing kabaddi near playground(i'm sure the headmistress too the right action and not for just a 'hug')

    DisAgree [2] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • future, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    I am standing by with the Principal or HMs of any school.she took the bold step of giving notice to parent of the student which is not done by most higher ups in schools in Karnataka.Why is sangh parivar not taking action is it becoz the girl is from majority community .if this had been done by other communities hue and cry would have been raised.Schools and colleges have a huge headache to control students who have benefit of mass media in all sphers. The parents have to take a responsible attitude to bring up their offspring. I have already seen and observed offsprings of a community that are indulging in these acts. But parents always justify.......

    DisAgree [22] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Raj, Namma Kudla

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    Dude can you please stop talking in terms of communities in such delicate matter? Comments like these disgust me.

    DisAgree Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • fiza, dubai

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    "objectionable behavior
    &‘physically intimate’" This 2 words are different please do not give this a physically intimate name ..because it shows a bad image to the boy girl and their family members and principal could have handled in the better way that taking such harsh decision which was really not needed

    DisAgree [7] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ramesh S, mangalore

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    ..unfair if we condemn the principal..she is right in her place..we will blame principal if in later stage if some thing happens with the student saying principal knowingly didnt acted earlier..student was to be blamed for cowardly act..

    DisAgree [8] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • irene, mangalore

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    precious life is lost.This age is very sensitive.The principal would have called the student and taken her in confidence.With love one can mould anything.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • jyothi, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    Shame would have lead this girl to take this extreme step. I think every school must have an agreement of certain rules and regulations to be adhered signed by the students and their parents at the time of joining. Schools must have an orientation programme for students every year and must emphasize on non-indulgence in indecent actions.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • William Rodrigues, Jayanagar, Bangalore

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    Very sorry about this incident. It is very difficult to judge the real facts behind the scene as a valuable life is lost. If the child has to take such gruesome step, then there must be something fishy hiding, which must be brought to light. Staff,Students and Parents should be in touch with each other to avoid such incidents.
    Monali's parents please accept my hearty sympathies.

    DisAgree Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • CJV Mangalore, Bangalore/ Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    In such cases school must counsel/warn the student before complaining to the parents. A precious life lost. RIP Monali.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stan, Udupi/ Dubai

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    Commiting suicide was not a solution to her problem. School also would have taken up the matter with parents in a different way.The problem with present day children is that they are pampered so much by their parents they are unable to face harsh realities if life.Life lost will not come back. Let us learn some lessons out of this incidents so that no such incident happen again.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, INDIA

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    Can you clap with one hand? Why was the girl or girl's parents called, why not the boy or his parents? This is downright ridiculous and our hearts go out to Monali's parents. May her soul rest in peace

    DisAgree [4] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • vn, vn

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    Shocking incident. school can deal such matters in a very delicate manner. Such incidents are bound to happen in public school.They must have system to deal such problem.Children some time behave knowingly/ unknowingly.due care should be taken while correcting/ punishing the child.At the end it is great loss the family as well as to the society as a whole.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gammath, mumbai

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    I dont think it is fair to blame the principal here. Students must behave sensibly within the school premises and follow the guidelines set by the school,
    Further, what is the proof that she was hurt by the harsh punishment by the school, may be her parents must have scolded her or warned her more than the school principal.

    Further, I dont understand whats wrong with these new generation for everything they find suicide is the solution.. whether education system need to be changes or mind set need to be changed God only can say.. Feel pity for the poor parents who lost their daughters..

    DisAgree [4] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • jacintha, middle east

    Thu, Jan 22 2015

    It is for the Principal and the parents to ponder on the 'friendly hug'.
    How much is right, we do not know. Data shows that responsible ownership of children behaviour by elders (teachers and parents) is lacking. Each one putting the blame on other.

    But I really am sad, that the child did not take refuge in her parents, than taking this extreme step.

    DisAgree Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Bengaluru: Child rights body orders police inquiry into student's suicide



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