Vellore girls’ suicide: Temporary teachers sacked

The move follows four Class 11 students of the school committing suicide by jumping into a village well last Friday after being reprimanded by teachers. The first step in this direction was initiated by local DEO S Amudha who on conducting enquiries, learnt that the temporary teachers allegedly harassed the girls and even called them by their caste names. 

When informed, CEO Mars asked the PTA to draw up a list of temporary teachers in the school. Of the total teacher strength of 48, 18 were temporary teachers and were paid Rs10,000 every month. Mars then dismissed them and issued orders against their being appointed in other government schools. A special police team conducting inquiries also asked the dismissed teachers to present themselves for interrogation when required. Meanwhile, Dr Senthilnathan, the psychiatrist attached to the Vellore government Pentland hospital, began individual counselling to SSLC, Class 11 and Class 12 students from Tuesday. 

Following girls informing officials of tuition classes being conducted by permanent teachers and being berated for not joining them, Amudha warned permanent teachers against conducting tuitions at home or in private institutions and threatened them with suspension if found doing so.