The bodies of a 14-year-old girl and a 38-year-old school bus driver were discovered near a railway track in the Ajjampura area of Chikmagalur district in Karnataka, leading to the booking of the school management by the police. The incident, suspected to be a case of suicide, has prompted an investigation into the school’s failure to take action against the driver despite the victim’s family reporting the issue.
The victim, a Class 8 student at a private school in Giriyapura near Ajjampura, had confided in her parents about the bus driver’s alleged romantic advances. In response, the girl’s father filed a complaint with the school, stating that his daughter was being harassed. However, the school management neglected to address the situation or involve the authorities.
According to a police official familiar with the matter, the victim’s father had alerted the school management in October regarding the ongoing harassment, but they failed to take any substantial action against the accused driver. Neither the police nor the child protection unit were informed about the situation.
On the night of December 31, the minor informed her parents that she was going to a friend’s house to collect study notes. However, she did not return home that night, prompting her father to file a missing person report. During the investigation, the bodies of the girl and the driver were discovered near the railway track.
The Arsikere railway police inspector, Manju, has registered a case against the school management and the bus driver under Section 305 of the Indian Penal Code for abetment to suicide, as well as relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. The investigation is ongoing.
The bodies underwent autopsy at Mallegowda district hospital before being handed over to the respective families. The school principal did not respond to requests for comment on the issue.
The tragic incident has raised concerns about the school management’s negligence and failure to address the harassment complaints made by the victim’s family. Authorities are now working to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that accountability is established.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to a helpline in your country. There are people who care and want to help.
