evidence: The protests saw participation from different groups – alumni of the school, local residents from Chinnasalem and surrounding villages, including parents of schoolchildren, students, youngsters, and also people affiliated with various student organisations, political parties and caste groups, and others who were upset with the school management. According to the police, members of various political parties, including Opposition parties and allies of the ruling DMK, a few student groups, and some groups from the Thevar community to which the deceased student belonged, were all part of the protest. The numbers of protesters also swelled as messages were circulated claiming that the police had stopped protesters from the girl’s hometown, Periyanesalur, from going to the school.