Fat shaming: Class 11 student commits suicide by immolating self over classmates’ remarks

The deceased was identified as R Kalpana, student of Chromepet Government Girls Higher Secondary School, residing at Ranga Nagar near Chromepet. Kalpana’s father Ramesh Babu works in a private firm. 

She has a sister.

The police said that Kalpana had confided to her mother about being constantly bullied by her classmates and friends for being obese. Following this, her mother had met the Principal and school staff and had requested them to look into the issue.

“But it appears that the students did not stop teasing her and Kalpana would cry at home,” an officer said.

Wednesday being a government holiday, Kalpana cried the whole time and kept arguing with her parents about never going to school. They, however, convinced her and went off to sleep. Later in the night, at 11.30 pm, Kalpana went to the kitchen and self-immolated herself with kerosene.

Upon hearing her cries, parents and neighbours rushed to her aid and took her to KMC. She was admitted to the intensive care, but died early on Thursday morning without responding to treatment.

Upon receiving information, Shankar Nagar police visited the house and registered the case.

Further investigation is on.