Delhi school under probe after Class 10 student dies by suicide; NHRC directs inquiry

NEW DELHI: The NHRC has issued a notice to the district magistrate and the deputy commissioner of police of central Delhi, after a class 10 student "committed suicide" allegedly due to mental harassment and discriminatory treatment meted out by some teachers of a reputed city school, according to proceedings of the case.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued directions to have the allegations levelled in the complaint, inquired into, and to submit an action taken report within 10 days for its perusal, it says. An FIR under charges related to abetment to suicide was registered on Wednesday, a day after the student allegedly jumped from the Rajendra Place Metro Station and died.

According to the NHRC proceedings of the case, the complainant alleged that a student committed suicide in Delhi due to "continuous mental harassment and discriminatory treatment by teachers of a reputed school in Lutyens' Delhi". The complainant further alleged that several teachers, including the principal, routinely "mocked, humiliated, and threatened" the student, creating an "environment of fear and trauma," it says.

Class 10 Student Suicide: Complaints ignored, no counselling

It was also alleged that several former students and parents have shared similar experiences of "mental harassment, segregation, negative comparisons, and long-lasting trauma". The complaints were ignored , and no counselling or child-protection measures were provided, amounting to "violations" of the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015, Right to Education (Violations of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory) Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and child safety norms, the NHRC proceedings read.

The complainant sought the intervention of the commission and requested an independent inquiry, disciplinary action against the staff responsible for it, and implementation of child-protection protocols in the school, it adds. The allegations made in the complaint prima facie seem to be "violations" of the human rights of the victims, the rights panel says in its proceedings.

A bench of the commission, presided by its member Priyank Kanoongo, has taken cognisance under section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. "The Registry is directed to issue a notice to the DM and the DCP, Central Delhi, with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into and to submit an action taken report within 10 days for perusal of the Commission," it adds.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.