An autopsy conducted on M. Krishnakumar (15), a Standard X student of a private school in Udumalpet, at Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital on Friday confirmed that the boy died of an accidental fall. The post-mortem examination report said the death was owing to “contusion in brain stem”. The boy died on Thursday evening on the school premises. Relatives of the boy and social activists blocked road on Friday afternoon. They demanded an impartial investigation to find the real cause of the death as they suspected foul play. However, the school authorities informed the relatives that Krishnakumar was hospitalised when he fell ill.
Superintendent of Police V. Balakrishnan told The Hindu that eyewitnesses (fellow hostel mates) who were questioned in the presence of the boy's parents and relatives and the media persons said the boy fell while running from the study room to the hostel mess for dinner at 7.30 p.m. resulting in his death.
The boy, belonging to an agrarian family from Munduvelampatti near Dharapuram, was staying in the school hostel. He joined the school in Standard VI.
The boy's father G. Mahalingam lodged a complaint with the Udumalpet police when he found injuries on his forehead, nose, upper limbs and right elbow. The multiple injuries on the corpse made Mr. Mahalingam suspect that his son could have been done away with.
