A 12-year-old boy committed suicide in Sathangadu near Manali reportedly after his mother scolded him for skipping studies during a recent vacation.
Arjun was a class VIII student of a private school. His father Rajiv Kumar is working as a watchman in a private firm.
On Wednesday, his mother Rahini shouted at Arjun for skipping studies during Pongal holidays. Upset over his mother’s scolding, he locked himself in the bedroom and poured kerosene on himself and set fire. On hearing his screams, Rajiv Kumar broke the door open and tried to rescue his son. In the process, Rajiv Kumar also sustained burns.
Personnel from Sathangadu Police Station reached the spot and sent both of them to the Government Kilpauk Hospital where the boy died of burns on Thursday. His father continues to be treated for burns.
The police registered a case under 174 Criminal Procedure Code. After a post-mortem, the boy’s body was handed over to the family.
Suicide prevention helpline Sneha can be reached at 2464 0050 and the State helpline at 104.
