PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Mar 13, CMC -The Ministry of Education has confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the death of an 11-year-old student, who died at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mount Hope, on Thursday.
Arianna Ramdial of the Caroni Hindu Primary School had been taken to the hospital on Wednesday amid concerns that she may have been a victim of bullying.
Police said what appeared to be minor injuries were observed on her body and relativeslater told investigators that Arianna had never been harmed by family members but believe she may have been bullied.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled for later on Friday to determine the exact cause of death.
The authorities said support services and counselling are being arranged for her relatives and schoolmates.
Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha secretary general Vijay Maharaj said the organisation was “deeply hurt and devastated” by the loss and noted that investigations by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Ministry of Education and other agencies were underway.
Maharaj also stated that initial information suggested the child had bruises and that unconfirmed reports of possible sexual abuse were circulating, stressing that only an autopsy could determine the cause of death.
“Initial indications suggest the body was bruised and battered. A police report was made previously of bruises and battered marks on this child,” Maharaj said.
He said that the child last attended school on March 4, and that an official police report was made last year of sexual abuse against the child.
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