Parents allege HSS did not permit daughter to appear for board exams
A crowd gathers outside the house of the student in Baina.
VASCO
A pall of gloom descended over Baina on Wednesday evening after a 19-year-old student from a higher secondary school in Vasco allegedly ended her life following an issue with the educational institution over appearing for HSSC examinations.
Her distraught parents have alleged that their daughter had taken the drastic step after the HSS did not permit her to appear for the board examinations.
Some sources also claimed that the HSS had allegedly refused to allow the student to answer exams amid concerns that her low marks would adversely affect the institution’s overall performance and average percentage in the board exams.
Family members claimed that the refusal came as a severe shock to the student, who had been preparing for the examinations.
They further alleged that the institution called them to the HSS along with the deceased student in the morning and pressured them into signing certain documents related to the issue, a development that reportedly left the teenager distressed and depressed.
The parents said their daughter became increasingly withdrawn after the incident and was unable to cope with the mental pressure, eventually taking the extreme step to end her life on Wednesday evening.
The incident has triggered anger and anguish among local residents, who questioned whether an institution’s reputation and statistics were being placed above the life and future of a young student.
“How can marks and percentages matter more than a child’s life,” asked a resident, echoing the sentiments of many in the area.
A police team rushed to the spot soon after receiving information and conducted a preliminary inquiry. The body was sent for medico-legal formalities, and statements of the parents and others concerned are being recorded.
Police said further action would be taken after examining all relevant documents and circumstances leading to the incident.
Speaking to The Goan, Mormugao DySP Gurudas Kadam said police will probe allegations that the HSS had denied the student permission to appear for exams citing her academic weakness.
The tragic death has once again brought the spotlight on academic pressure, institutional practices, and the mental health challenges faced by students, with residents demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the matter.
