Kolkata's La Martiniere school students support arrested principal

Kolkata, Oct.4 (ANI): Students of La Martiniere School in Kolkata came out in support of school principal Sunirmal Chakraborty on Monday after he was arrested on charges of abetting the suicide of a student, Rouvanjit Rawla.

Earlier in the morning, the Kolkata police arrested Chakraborty along with three teachers, who will be produced in the court.

Thirteen-year-old Rouvanjit Rawla was a student of standard eight. He hanged himself on February 12 this year, allegedly after being caned by Chakraborty.

Rawla's father Ajay filed a report, alleging persecution by the principal and three teachers of the school, and physical assault that drove his son to commit suicide.

However, many students and their parents felt disheartened at the arrest of the principal.

Aparna Raina, a guardian of a student, said that she felt very sad for Chakraborty, whom she thinks is a gentleman.

"See, as a parent I feel, if you look at the larger picture it (the arrest of the principal) is going to affect the morale of the students of the school. That is all I have to say. I mean students are attached to their principal. They certainly will feel it," said Raina.

As the incident came to light, Chakraborty admitted caning the boy and publicly apologized for his act. By Ajitha Menon (ANI)