Palakkad, Oct 16: A wave of anger and grief swept through Palakkad after a Class 9 student from Kannadi Higher Secondary School allegedly committed suicide, leading to the suspension of two staff members and the temporary closure of the school.

State Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Thursday directed the district Education authorities to conduct a detailed probe into the incident and submit a report.

The 14-year-old student, identified as Arjun from Pallenchathannur, was found dead at his home earlier this week.

His family has accused a class teacher of mental harassment that allegedly pushed him to take the extreme step.

Police have launched an investigation based on the family’s complaint, and the school will remain closed for four days.

The incident has triggered massive protests from students, parents, and political organisations.

According to the family, the teacher, identified as Asha, had threatened to file a complaint with the Cyber Cell and have Arjun jailed over a message sent on Instagram.

“She humiliated him in front of the class and even called the Cyber Cell during class hours. He was visibly disturbed after that,” one of his classmates said.

Soon after news of the “suicide” broke, students boycotted classes and staged a sit-in on the school campus.

Several student organisations joined the agitation and laid siege to the principal’s office, demanding immediate action.

The situation escalated when the principal, Lisy, defended the teacher, saying no wrongdoing had occurred, further intensifying the protests.

Amid mounting pressure, the school management convened an emergency meeting and decided to suspend both the class teacher and the principal, pending inquiry.

Education officials have sought a detailed report on the incident, and counselling support has been arranged for students.

The tragic incident has reignited a debate on mental health, bullying, and accountability in schools.

Police officials said statements are being recorded from students, staff, and the teacher involved.

A case has been registered, and further action will follow based on the investigation.

Guwahati, Oct 16: In a major development in the ongoing probe into the mysterious death of Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced that the Singapore Police authorities will hold a meeting with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Assam on October 21.

Taking to the social media platform X, Sarma said the meeting signifies a crucial step in the pursuit of justice for the late singer.

“Another step forward towards justice for our beloved Zubeen. The Singapore Police authorities will meet the Assam Police team led by Sri Munna Gupta, ADGP and Head of SIT, on 21st October. Our collective resolve remains — Justice for Zubeen will prevail,” he posted.

The meeting will be held between officials of the Singapore Police and the SIT, headed by ADGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta, who is leading the probe from Assam.

The discussion is expected to focus on the exchange of key evidence and findings related to Garg’s death, which occurred in Singapore under mysterious circumstances last month.

The Assam government had constituted the SIT shortly after the incident to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation.

The team has been coordinating closely with Singapore authorities and gathering information from individuals connected to Garg’s final days abroad.

Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most celebrated singers and cultural figures, was found dead in Singapore, triggering an outpouring of grief and anger across the state.

His death has since led to widespread protests, including violent demonstrations in parts of Assam, as fans and civil society groups continue to demand a thorough probe.

Security has been tightened in several areas following clashes near Baksa jail earlier this week, where protestors had gathered. Police have since said the situation is under control.

The upcoming meeting between Singapore and Assam Police is expected to be pivotal in advancing the investigation and uncovering the circumstances that led to the untimely demise of the beloved artist.

Imphal, Oct 16: Security forces in Manipur have arrested six militants belonging to different banned outfits and seized drugs worth Rs 7.26 crore, besides apprehending six drug peddlers in separate operations conducted over the past 24 hours, officials said on Thursday.

A senior police official said that the six militants belonging to Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) were arrested from Imphal West and Imphal East districts.

He said that the hardcore militants were involved in various crimes, including intimidation, forcible collection of subscriptions from people, government employees, contractors and others.

A few arms, incriminating documents, a car and several mobile phones were recovered from the arrested guerrillas.

Besides this, the Assam Rifles, in coordination with Manipur Police, apprehended six drug peddlers and recovered 270 soap cases containing brown sugar weighing 3.636 kg, worth approximately Rs 7.26 crore in Senapati and Kangpokpi districts of Manipur.

The official said that a car, an auto-rickshaw and several mobile phones were also recovered from the arrested drug peddlers.

He said that the security forces continue to conduct search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas across districts.

The movement of over 130 vehicles carrying essential items along Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) has been ensured without any incident during the past 24 hours. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations, and security convoys are provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of vehicles.

According to the official, a total of 115 nakas/checkpoints were set up in different districts, both in the hills and the valley region, to prevent untoward and illegal movements of inimical elements and suspected vehicles.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police are organising a series of events, including a 16 km open and 5 km fun run for male and female categories on October 18 at Imphal as a part of the celebration of the 134th Raising Day of Manipur Police, which falls on October 19.