Students Protest After Class 9 Girl Assaulted Over Onam Dress Code
Kodenchery police registered a case based on the parents' complaint and have begun an investigation
A Class 9 student was allegedly assaulted by a group of Class 10 girls following a dispute over the dress code for Onam celebrations at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Koodathai, Kozhikode. The incident has triggered protests by students demanding strict action against those responsible.
According to the complaint, the Class 9 student was allegedly dragged to a toilet by the senior students, slapped and kicked in the abdomen. She suffered injuries to her chest and abdomen and is undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
The dispute was allegedly linked to a dress code decided by the Class 10 students for the Onam celebrations. The senior students had reportedly planned to wear blue-coloured clothes, while the Class 9 student arrived at school wearing blue without knowing about their decision.
The Class 9 student was allegedly stopped and questioned by the senior students during the celebrations. When she threatened to report the matter to school authorities, she was allegedly intimidated with a reference to a recent murder incident in the Thamarassery area.
After the Onam holidays, the student returned to school and was allegedly confronted by the senior students, who asked whether she intended to complain before assaulting her.
Kodenchery police registered a case based on the parents' complaint and have begun an investigation. Police are collecting information from the senior students allegedly involved and have also sought details from the school authorities.
The school management said it became aware of the dispute over the dress code after a confrontation between students. The parents of the students allegedly involved were called to the school, following which meetings of the disciplinary committee and staff council were held.
The school subsequently decided to suspend two Class 10 students accused in the incident for two weeks. The management said legal action had been initiated on the complaints submitted by the parents.
The incident has also led to a student protest, with around 80 students from Koodathai, Mudoor and Meppally reportedly boycotting classes. The students and local residents have demanded that the two accused students be expelled rather than face a temporary suspension.
Parents and students said stronger action was necessary to prevent similar incidents of violence and ragging and called for firm assurances regarding student safety.
