14-Year-Old Girl’s Tragic Death in Surat Sparks Investigation into School's Alleged Harassment

A heart-wrenching incident has emerged from Surat, Gujarat, where a 14-year-old Class 8 student ended her life by hanging herself. While no suicide note was found, the girl's family claims that she was harassed by her school over unpaid fees, leading her to take this devastating step.

According to the police, the incident occurred on Monday evening when the girl was alone at home. Harshad Acharya, an officer from Godadara Police Station, shared that the family had not paid the yearly school fee of ₹15,000 for the academic session ending in March 2025. The girl had reportedly stopped attending school after January 14, following the Uttarayan festival.

The girl's father, Raju Khatik, accused the school administration of pushing his daughter to the brink. He alleged that the school had barred her from taking exams and humiliated her by making her stand outside the classroom due to the unpaid fees. Following these serious allegations, the police and the district education department have launched investigations to uncover the truth.

Police officials have taken statements from the family, classmates, neighbors, and school staff. “We are exploring all angles to determine the exact cause behind the girl’s suicide. It is too early to confirm if the family’s allegations are the sole reason,” stated the police officer.

District Education Officer (DEO) H.H. Rajguru confirmed that an independent investigation has also been initiated. "We are looking into whether the school administration's actions related to the unpaid fees played a role in this tragedy. A team has been sent to the school, and CCTV footage is being reviewed. Any action will be based on the findings of the investigation," Rajguru said.

The incident has sparked outrage and grief, raising questions about the pressures faced by students and the accountability of educational institutions. This heartbreaking case underscores the need for compassion and sensitivity in educational environments, especially when addressing financial difficulties faced by families.