Gurpreet Singh :- Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has taken a strong stance in the case of a Class XII student who allegedly died by suicide following alleged harassment by a private school in Amritsar. Acting on the matter, authorities have registered a case of abetment to suicide against members of the school management and initiated a detailed investigation.
The minister said the government was treating the incident with utmost seriousness and assured that a fair and impartial probe would be conducted. He added that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible. The role of the school administration is also under scrutiny, with the government asserting that justice would be ensured for the deceased student.
The 17-year-old student had allegedly consumed a poisonous substance on May 22 and was admitted to hospital, where she remained under treatment for several days before succumbing on May 30. During her treatment, she reportedly recorded a video in which she accused the school management of causing severe mental distress and held them responsible for her condition.
According to family members, the student was studying at a private school on Fatehgarh Churian Road and was living with her aunt. They alleged that the school had been repeatedly pressuring her over pending fees amounting to nearly ₹20,000.
In the video recorded before her death, the student claimed she had been called to the school on May 11 and subjected to mental harassment. She further alleged that she was removed from her class group and taken to a separate room where she was questioned and humiliated. The video reportedly included an appeal for justice.
Her aunt alleged that the school principal and a class teacher had continuously pressured the student regarding fee payments despite requests to allow the dues to be cleared in instalments. The family also claimed that the student was denied admission to the medical stream, although other students with lower academic scores were allegedly granted the opportunity.
Additional allegations made by the family include being assigned extra work beyond regular studies and being denied entry into the classroom on certain occasions after using the washroom.
Police and education department officials are now examining the allegations, while investigators are reviewing evidence, including the video statement, as part of the ongoing inquiry. The case has triggered widespread concern and renewed debate over student welfare, academic pressure and accountability in educational institutions.
