The Education department has ordered an inquiry into the recent death of a schoolteacher at Kattippara in Kozhikode district.
General Education Minister V. Sivankutty said on Thursday (February 20) that the Director of General Education had been asked to submit a report. Aleena Benny, 30, who was working as a teacher at St. Joseph’s LP School, Kodenchery, was found dead at her house in Kattippara on February 19 (Wednesday).
Her family members have alleged that Aleena ended her life as she was upset over her post not getting official approval from the department. Aleena had not been getting any salary for around five years too. The school is under the corporate management of the Thamarassery Diocese. The family members also held the management responsible for the incident.
According to sources, Aleena earlier worked at Nazareth U.P. School, Kattippara, under the same management, for around four years. In 2021, she was transferred to the Kodenchery school after a teacher on long leave resigned from there. An application was sent to the Education department for approval as well. However, the department reportedly put it on hold citing technical reasons such as implementing reservations for differently-abled applicants.
On February 19, when Aleena did not turn up at the school and was not available on her mobile phone, the headteacher informed her family members. They found her dead at home. The police have registered a case for unnatural death.
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission too has suo motu registered a case on the incident and sought a report from the Director, General Education. It is to be submitted in two weeks. The case will be heard on March 26 at a sitting to be held in Kozhikode.
Meanwhile, the Kerala School Teachers Association has sought a detailed inquiry into the incident, claiming that the management had allegedly taken money from her for the appointment.
Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies may seek help and counselling support by contacting Thanal, a centre for befriending persons instituted by the Indian Medical Association, Kozhikode. Phone: 04952-760000.
Published – February 20, 2025 07:44 pm IST