NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of a girl by suicide in a private school premises in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh

Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 25th October, 2024

NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of a girl by suicide in a private school premises in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh

Expresses concern over the incident in the lawful custody of the school authorities

Issues notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Government of Andhra Pradesh calling for a detailed report

The report to include the status of the police investigation and post-mortem examination

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a 13-year-old girl student in VIII standard at a private school, allegedly died by suicide in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh on 23rd October, 2024. Reportedly, the incident happened in the school hostel campus at Reddypalem village panchayat area of the District.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the victim girl. The girl has reportedly committed suicide inside the hostel premises i.e. in the lawful custody of the school authorities which is a matter of concern. Accordingly, notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Government of Andhra Pradesh calling for a detailed report supported by a thorough probe within four weeks.

It is expected to include the status of the police investigation and post-mortem examination including the cause of death. The authorities are also directed to share the report of any other enquiry conducted in the matter.

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