In an unexpected turn of events, a class XII student named Pontharani died by suicide by hanging herself at her house in Coimbatore. According to reports, Pontharani is said to have taken the extreme decision after being sexually harassed and tortured by her teacher, who is identified as Mithun Chakkaravarthi. Pontharani studied her 11th grade in Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Coimbatore, and Mithun was one of her teachers. Though Pontharani complained about the teacher to the school management, the authorities seem to have not taken it seriously. Unable to get over the mental trauma caused by Mithun and his actions, Pontharani died by suicide yesterday (November 12).

The incident has sent shockwaves across the state and protests have begun in and around Tamil Nadu, demanding justice for Pontharani. The teacher, Mithun, has been arrested by the Police and has been booked under the POCSO act. However, this incident has created an outrage on social media and the people are demanding strict action against the teacher and school management. Legendary actor and politician Kamal Haasan also joined the public in demanding justice for Pontharani.

Expressing his shock over the incident, Kamal Haasan tweeted, "பாலியல் தொல்லையால் கோவையில் பள்ளி மாணவி தற்கொலை செய்துகொண்ட சம்பவம் அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கிறது. அவரது மரணத்திற்குக் காரணமானவர்கள் தண்டிக்கப்படவேண்டும். வேலியே பயிரை மேயும் அவலத்திற்குத் தமிழகம் முற்றுப்புள்ளி வைக்கவேண்டும்".

The tweet is loosely translated in English as, "The suicide of Coimbatore school girl who died due to sexual harassment is shocking. The people who are responsible for her death should be severely punished. Tamil Nadu should have an end to incidents like these". Kamal Haasan is someone who voices his opinions strongly on important incidents and this statement from him has garnered the attention of the public. The people of Tamil Nadu are hoping for Chief Minister, MK Stalin and his Government to bring strict measures and take severe actions against the accused. Further updates on this incident are awaited.