Protest outside Delhi school after student suicide; parents seek justice, action against teachers

After a Class 10 school student in Delhi died by suicide over alleged mental harassment by teachers, several students and parents protested outside the private school. The guardians and fellow students were seen holding placards and chanting “we want justice” for the deceased child. The school administration is yet to respond to the allegations.

The protestors also sought accountability for the death of 16-year-old Shourya Patil from St Columba’s School – a private boys’ school day school located in Ashok Place. The student jumped from the Rajendra Place metro station in the afternoon and left behind a suicide note, naming the teachers who allegedly mistreated him.

The aunt of the deceased student claimed the family was not aware of the extent of his mental suffering. "He was depressed for so long. He kept complaining, but we stayed quiet because he was in Class 10. He even told his school counsellors and teachers that he was going to die by suicide, but none of them informed us. We only heard this from his friends today," she told the media. His sister said he was extremely talented in dance and theatre and had recently won a competition, but the school "refused to give him the certificate".

Also read No students, pregnancy tests for girls: Advocate's report exposes grim reality of Maharashtra Ashram schools

On the other hand, his friends reportedly claimed the alleged harassment started early, in Class 8. On the very day of the incident, one of the friends said, he had told them in their drama club that he wanted to be "the next Shah Rukh Khan of St Columba's," but a teacher mocked him for "overacting" and humiliated him after he slipped and fell.

“Scolding is one thing, but constantly humiliating someone for even minute mistakes in front of everyone is unacceptable. The teachers were not just reprimanding, they were targeting, and this is being done with many of us," another fellow student was quoted as saying.

A parent, who reportedly shared an auto with the boy when he had rushed out of the school, recalled that the Class 10 student warned her against admitting her child in the school.

FIR reveals torture by teachers

Meanwhile, police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in the case, which has revealed alleged incidents of mental harassment endured by the student. The boy’s father has told the police that his son used to complain about the behaviour of a few teachers as well as the school’s principal, whose names have been clearly stated in the report, accessed by Careers360. Despite verbal complaints, the teachers and the school head kept harassing his kid, his father stated.

After repeated harassment by at least four teachers, who allegedly threatened him with suspension, physically assaulted and insulted him in front of the fellow students, Shourya took his life, the father asserted. One teacher also told him, “cry as much as you want, I don’t care”, according to the FIR.

Also read 'Bigger than bullying’: Ahmedabad school stabbing extreme, rising teen violence taking new forms, say teachers

Apology, call for action in suicide note

The police also found a suicide note in the school bag of the student wherein he sought apology from his parents for the deed and action against the teachers. The contents of that note are as follows: “Whoever is reading this, my name is Shourya Patil. I am very sorry I did this, but the school people said so much to me that I had to do it. If any part of my body works or is in a condition to work, please donate it to someone who truly needs it. My parents did so much for me. I am sorry I couldn’t give them anything. Sorry, brother, I was rude. Sorry, Mom, I hurt your heart so many times—now I will break it one last time.”

“What should I even say about the school teachers, they are like this only...My last wish is that action be taken against them. I want no other child to do something like me…I am sorry, but the teachers of St. Columba’s did this to me,” the note read while mentioning some personal details.

(with inputs from PTI)

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.