13-Year-Old National Skating Champion Attempts Suicide After School Discipline Incident

A national-level skating athlete from Class 8 attempted suicide by leaping from his private school's third floor in Dongre Nagar, Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh on Friday. The 13-year-old boy suffered critical injuries but is now reported to be in stable condition at a local hospital.

School officials stated that the incident occurred after the student had violated rules by bringing his mobile phone to school on Thursday, using it to record and subsequently share classroom footage on social media platforms. Upon discovering this violation, the administration summoned his parents on Friday to address the situation.

Security camera footage, which investigators are now examining, shows the distressed boy entering the Principal's office where he desperately apologized 52 times over approximately four minutes. According to the student's later account, the principal allegedly threatened to "end his career," implement a suspension, and "take away his medals." This was particularly devastating for the boy, who had twice represented his region in national skating competitions.

Shortly after this confrontation, surveillance footage captures the boy hastily exiting the office, running through the corridor in evident distress, before jumping from the third floor. Tragically, the child's father was waiting in the school's reception area during this time, completely unaware of the crisis unfolding nearby.

"I was called to meet my son at school. Upon arrival, I discovered he had fallen," said Pritam Katara, the student's father. "He's competed at the national level twice in skating. The school contacted me initially, but then immediately called again directing me to proceed directly to the hospital."

SDM Archie Harit confirmed the policy violation but noted the unexpected escalation of events: "The Class 8 student had indeed brought his phone to school, which isn't permitted. He suddenly ran and jumped. His condition is currently stable. We will conduct a thorough investigation. Mobile devices are strictly prohibited in school—even teachers must surrender their phones. The boy is a nationally recognized skater with impressive achievements."

School administrators maintain they intended to consult with the boy's father before imposing any disciplinary measures. However, the rapid sequence of events—featuring the student's repeated apologies and extreme reaction—has prompted serious concerns about the handling of the situation.

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