Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has assured the “strictest action" against those responsible in the case of a 17-year-old student from Amritsar who died by suicide after allegedly facing harassment at her school.
Describing the incident as “extremely tragic," Bains said an FIR for abetment to suicide has been registered against the school management. In a statement shared on social media, he said the government was treating the matter with utmost seriousness and that stringent action would be taken against all those found involved.
The victim, Amjot Kaur, a Class 11 student of DDI School in Fatehgarh Churian, allegedly consumed poison on May 22 and later succumbed. Before her death, she recorded a video seeking justice, alleging mental harassment by the school, fee-related pressure and intimidation by the principal and a teacher.
Police have registered a case against Principal Shabnam Sharma and class teacher Akanksha Sharma under various sections. No arrests have been made so far. ACP Gagandeep Singh said raids are underway to apprehend the accused.
According to the investigation, the school management allegedly failed to provide Amjot with her Class 10 certificate despite repeated requests. The probe has also revealed allegations that she was subjected to harassment and was allegedly made to perform personal chores for the principal and the teacher. Amjot lived with her maternal aunt, Sarabjeet Kaur.
Her father, Ravinder Singh, a small-time trader and the sole earning member of a family of five, said his daughter was academically bright. He said she had scored 86 per cent in her Class 10 examinations and often spoke about the pressure she faced at school.
According to the family, Amjot wanted to study medical subjects, but her teacher allegedly discouraged her, claiming she would not be able to cope with the academic demands. Ravinder Singh said the family had high hopes for her future and that she was determined to excel in her studies. “She wanted to study and make us proud.”
Sarabjeet Kaur alleged that on May 22, Amjot was called to the principal’s office, where she was humiliated. She further claimed that the school expelled the student and instructed her to stop attending classes.
