Delhi Student Suicide: Police question two teachers; summon three more in ongoing probe

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Monday questioned two teachers of St Columba's School in connection with the suicide of a class 10 student and summoned three more as part of the widening probe, officials said. The two teachers who appeared before police for questioning on Monday recorded their statements, the officials said.

Their examination follows the seizure of a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) containing CCTV footage from the day the boy was allegedly reprimanded after slipping during a drama club performance on the school premises. A senior police officer said investigators are conducting a frame-by-frame analysis of the video and cross-checking it with testimonies of the boy's classmates and other students who were present at the time.

Police had earlier summoned three teachers on Sunday, of whom two appeared, he said. The remaining staff members named in the case will be called in phases after the preliminary examination has been completed, he added. The student allegedly died by suicide on November 18 after he jumped before a train at Rajendra Place metro station.

Suicide note names four teachers

An FIR under sections related to abetment of suicide was registered soon after. A suicide note recovered from the boy named four teachers and accused them of sustained mental harassment. In the note, he apologised to his family and expressed his wish to donate his organs. Police have already recorded statements of several classmates of the boy and other students.

Four staff members named in the note, including the headmistress of classes 4-10 and the coordinator for classes 9-10, were placed under suspension by the school following the incident.

Meanwhile, the boy's father met Joint Commissioner of Police (Transport) Milind Mahadeo Dumbere to discuss the progress of the investigation. Investigators said they are examining CCTV footage, school records and witness accounts to establish whether the conduct of the teachers constituted criminal harassment that could have driven the boy to take his own life.

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.