New Delhi:
Two days after a 16-year-old student of St Columba’s School died by suicide by jumping from an elevated Metro station, the school administration has suspended the headmaster and three teachers named in the FIR lodged by the boy’s father. The suspended staff members have been instructed not to visit the school or communicate with any student, parent, or staff member without prior written permission.
Parents Blame Teachers for Mental Harassment
The student, Shourya Patil, died on Tuesday afternoon, leaving behind a handwritten note blaming certain teachers at his school. His parents have accused the headmaster and three teachers of repeated mental harassment, saying their behaviour drove their son to take the extreme step.
Shourya’s parents have announced that they will protest outside the school on Friday, alleging that the suspended teachers were not asked to resign and may be reinstated later.
In his suicide note, Shourya wrote an emotional message to his mother, saying:
“Sorry mummy… I broke your heart many times, and this is the last time. The teachers in my school are like this… what do I even say?”
FIR Accuses Staff of Threats, Insults, and Mental Torture
In the FIR filed on Wednesday, Shourya’s father, Pradeep Patil, accused:
- The headmaster for classes 5 to 10
- Three teachers
…of mentally harassing, scolding, insulting, and even physically pushing his son.
According to the FIR:
- One teacher allegedly threatened Shourya for four consecutive days, telling him he would be expelled and issued a transfer certificate.
- Another teacher had once pushed him.
- A dramatics teacher allegedly insulted and mocked him after he fell during class, accusing him of “overacting.”
- Shourya was scolded so harshly he began to cry, but the teacher reportedly said she did not care.
- The headmaster was present during the incident but did not intervene, the father claimed.
Principal Issues Suspension Order
School principal Robert Fernandes issued identical suspension letters to all four staff members. The letters state:
- The staff members are suspended with immediate effect
- They must remain available for investigation
- They cannot enter the school premises or speak to students, staff, or parents without written permission
- The suspension will continue until the inquiry is completed
The principal cited the seriousness of the allegations as the reason for the immediate action.
Father Says School Ignored Warning Signs
Speaking to reporters, Shourya’s father said:
- His son had been complaining about harassment for months
- He planned to shift him to another school after the pre-board exams
- Shourya had even told a school counsellor about having suicidal thoughts, but the school never informed the parents
- The family came to know about this only after speaking to students protesting outside the school
“The teachers kept torturing him. How can anyone tell a child he will be removed from school just days before his exams?” the father said.
Delhi Government Orders High-Level Probe
In response to the incident, the Delhi government has ordered a high-level inquiry.
The Directorate of Education has formed a five-member committee, led by Joint Director Harshit Jain, to determine:
- The facts of the case
- Circumstances leading to the student’s death
- Whether school authorities failed in their administrative responsibilities
The committee has been instructed to submit a detailed report within three days.
