Delhi Student Suicide Prompts Protests: Families Demand Accountability from St Columba's School for Mental Harassment

The boy jumped from the platform of Rajendra Place Metro Station at 2.34 pm on Tuesday.

New Delhi:

Families and friends of a Class 10 student who died by suicide organized a protest outside St Columba's School on Friday. They accused certain teachers of subjecting the student to mental harassment and demanded rigorous action from authorities.

Protesters insisted that the school must be held accountable for the tragedy and called on the government to enhance mental health protections for students.

Archana, a family friend of the student's parents, explained that protesters were demanding more than mere suspensions. She emphasized the need for robust measures against both the implicated teachers and the school administration.

She further noted that demonstrators were urging the government committee to establish district-level guidelines specifically addressing students' mental health concerns.

One parent expressed the profound grief surrounding the incident, highlighting that a mother had lost her child and a family was now without their son. She pointed out that students often navigate difficult developmental periods, making it crucial to prevent such incidents, particularly given the vulnerability of children at this age.

The school administration has not yet responded to these allegations.

Another parent claimed that the school counselor, despite being aware of the student's mental health challenges, failed to inform the family. "They knew about his struggles but dismissed them. This negligence drove him to take such a drastic step," the parent alleged.

Protesters chanted slogans demanding the arrest of those they considered responsible.

Chandrashil Dhawan, the student's uncle, stressed that the government's high-level committee must take decisive action and ensure regular, meaningful engagement with teachers across educational institutions. "These are challenging times for children who face pressures from multiple directions. Teachers need to understand the emotional burdens these students carry," he remarked.

"Students, particularly those in critical academic years like Class 10, require patience and sensitivity. They are especially vulnerable during this phase, and how adults around them behave can significantly impact them. Clear guidelines are necessary to ensure no other child experiences such neglect," he added.

According to police reports, the Class 10 student jumped from the platform at Rajendra Place Metro Station at 2.34 pm on Tuesday. He was transported to BLK Super Speciality Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A senior police officer revealed that the student left a suicide note naming several teachers whom he blamed for his mental distress, and called for strict action against them. The note also expressed his wish to donate his organs.

Helplines

Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health

9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com

TISS iCall

022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)

(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.)