A tragic incident has rocked Kochi, Kerala, following the suicide of 15-year-old Mihir Ahammed, who was allegedly driven to take his life by severe bullying at school. This heartbreaking event has drawn attention to the insidious nature of bullying, leading to calls for justice and protection for children.
Mihir, the nephew of PC Musthafa, the CEO of iD Fresh Foods, leapt from the 26th floor of his apartment building on January 15, after suffering extreme physical and emotional abuse at the hands of students at his school, Global Public School, and on the school bus. Musthafa shared the news on social media, mourning the loss of what he described as his "son"—rather, more than just his nephew. “Mihir was my nephew, but he was more than than—he was like a son to me,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), alongside touching photos of Mihir and his own child.
Musthafa revealed the harrowing details of Mihir's experiences, stating, "He was mercilessly beaten, verbally degraded, and subjected to inhumane humiliation, even on the last day of his life." Friends of Mihir have come forward with screenshots and evidence showing the systematic bullying he endured. One horrifying account described how Mihir was taken to the washroom, forced to lick a toilet seat, and had his head shoved down as the toilet was flushed. Even more disturbing were the taunts hurled at him, with bullies mockingly calling him “poppyhead.”
The emotional toll of this abuse culminated tragically when Mihir felt he had no other option. His mother, distraught and devastated, has publicly demanded accountability, describing the urgent need to address the culture of bullying prevalent among school children. She has lodged a formal complaint with the local police and the Child Commission, emphasizing another sinister layer of the story—the alleged involvement of school authorities, including mistreatment by the Vice Principal at Mihir's former school, GEMS Kochi.
“This must not go unnoticed,” his mother stated, firmly calling for justice as well. “We want those responsible to answer for what they did, and we want the law to protect other children from suffering like my son did.”
Tragically, amid the collective mourning was also cruelty. Following Mihir’s death, Musthafa reported receiving hurtful messages from some of the same students who had bullied him. One repugnant message read, “Fk nga, he actually died,” showcasing the very real and disturbing nature of racism intertwined with the bullying Mihir faced.
The calls for justice have gathered momentum on social media, with hashtags like #JusticeForMihir and #StopBullying trending as many rally behind the family. Musthafa has vowed to fight for systemic changes to the educational environment, advocating for laws and policies to safeguard children from bullying. “I believe in the justice system and trust those responsible will be held accountable. I urge everyone to support this fight—not only for Mihir but for every child who deserves a safe and nurturing environment to grow and thrive,” he urged.
The case of Mihir Ahammed is not just another tragic story; it sheds light on the pressing issue of bullying and the urgent need for societal change. The overwhelming consensus is clear: schools must become safer places for children, where learning and growth can occur without fear of harassment and humiliation.