Egyptian teen takes his life after being caught smoking by his father

Dubai: An Egyptian middle school student has died after ingesting a toxic substance, in what authorities say was an apparent suicide triggered by fear of parental punishment for smoking.

The incident took place in Ezbet Bakir, a small hamlet on the outskirts of Shubr village in Tanta, Gharbia Governorate. Local police and medical officials identified the victim as Mahmoud T., a first-year preparatory student at an Azhar religious school.

According to a report filed with Major General Ayman Abdel Hamid, director of Gharbia security, emergency staff at Tanta University Hospital received Mahmoud in critical condition, suffering from severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Medical staff confirmed he had ingested a lethal “grain pill,” a highly toxic pesticide widely available in rural Egypt. Despite intensive efforts, Mahmoud died shortly after arrival.

Preliminary police investigations, led by Colonel Mohamed Assem, head of the criminal investigations unit, revealed that the 13-year-old boy took his own life after his father caught him smoking cigarettes.

Fearing his father’s anger and punishment, the teenager consumed the toxic tablet in a moment of panic and despair.

The case has been referred to the public prosecution, which has ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Mahmoud’s body was transferred to the hospital morgue for further examination.

-- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE