13-year-old found hanging at home

The boy, Vel Rithwik, was a Class 8 student of a reputed private school in the locality, while his parents, Venkatesan and Premalatha, are teachers of a government school in Saidapet.

After Pongal holidays, Venkatesan and Premalatha left for work on Wednesday. Since their elder son Logesh (14), a Class 9 student at the same private school, had left for rehearsal for an upcoming programme in the institution, Vel Rithwik was alone at home.

Around 12 pm, Rithwik’s friends reached his house and since there was no response to the calling bell, they reportedly sneaked through the window and were shocked to see him hanging from ceiling.

They immediately alerted the neighbours, who informed Rithwik’s parents, as well as police. The body was removed and was sent to Chromepet government hospital for post-mortem.

After preliminary inquiry, Adambakkam police said that Rithwik could have taken the extreme step since he did not do well in studies. However, the incident is being investigated in different angles whether any other factor forced Rithwik to take the extreme step.