Aligarh School Shut Indefinitely Following Student's Suicide Amid Harassment Allegations
An upper primary school in Aligarh has been ordered closed until the completion of a police investigation, following the tragic death of a Class 8 student who died by suicide on March 28. Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the girl allegedly faced persistent harassment and intimidation from a teacher and his family, which is believed to have led to the incident.
Official Orders and School Closure
The Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) office issued directives to the school management, mandating the shutdown of both primary and upper primary sections. Assistant Basic Shiksha Adhikari of Atrauli block, Pramod Kumar, stated that the closure will remain in effect until the police probe concludes. Kumar noted that the school, which recently received recognition, enrolls over 200 students. Additionally, the BSA office has initiated its own inquiry, with further action contingent on the findings.
Background of the Case and Legal Proceedings
The girl had accused her 55-year-old teacher of molestation during a visit in December 2025. A formal complaint was filed in February, leading to a case registered under sections 74 (assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 351(3) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The family alleged that authorities failed to take timely action, and they claimed the accused teacher and his family continued to threaten the girl to withdraw the case. Following her death, a fresh FIR was registered under section 108 (abetment of suicide) and section 351(3) of the BNS in Aligarh. The girl's father has accused the police of negligence, asserting that prompt intervention could have prevented the tragedy.
Current Status of the Accused
In response to the allegations, the accused teacher's son, who is also named in the FIR, has been arrested and sent to jail. However, the teacher himself remains absconding. Station House Officer Ravi Chandrawal confirmed that police teams are actively searching for the accused, and a non-bailable warrant has been issued to facilitate his apprehension.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This incident has sparked widespread concern about student safety and the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanisms in educational institutions. The closure of the school disrupts the academic routine for hundreds of students, highlighting the urgent need for robust measures to protect minors from harassment. Authorities are under pressure to ensure a thorough investigation and deliver justice, as the community grapples with the loss and seeks accountability.
