Protests Continue as Family Demands Justice
Nearly a week after a Class 10 student from St Columba's School in Lutyens Delhi died by suicide, emotional protests persisted outside the educational institution. The demonstrations gained renewed intensity on Monday when the boy's father and elder brother joined the gathering, having recently returned from conducting the final rites in their native village in Maharashtra.
At the school gates, protesters created a poignant memorial display featuring the deceased student's academic certificates, medals, and trophies. This visual tribute highlighted the young achiever's accomplishments while underscoring the tragedy of his premature death.
Police Investigation Gathers Pace
Delhi Police have intensified their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student's death. Authorities confirmed they have reviewed crucial CCTV footage from the school premises. An officer revealed that the footage captures the boy interacting with his teacher during a dramatics class, with other students present in the vicinity.
While the audio quality remains unclear, the visual evidence shows a conversation occurring between the student and educator. Police are currently cross-referencing this footage with previously recorded statements from fellow students to establish a coherent timeline of events.
In a significant development, three of the four teachers named in the First Information Report (FIR) have undergone questioning sessions, each lasting approximately two hours. During interrogation, the educators denied allegations of harassment, maintaining they were following standard classroom protocols.
Family Alleges Institutional Failure
The victim's family presented disturbing claims about the school environment. The father asserted that his son had explicitly told teachers to stop tormenting him because he was experiencing suicidal thoughts. This revelation points to potential prior warnings that may have gone unheeded.
The 20-year-old elder brother, currently pursuing his final year in BBA, provided insight into the school's disciplinary approach. He contrasted St Columba's methods with other prestigious institutions, noting that threats of rustication over minor infractions and frequent parental summons seemed uniquely harsh.
In a heartbreaking recollection, the father mentioned spotting another student potentially accompanying his son at the metro station where the tragedy occurred. However, distraught by the ongoing post-mortem procedures, he couldn't confirm whether the individual wore the school uniform.
Adding to the narrative, Deepshikha Mishra, a parent who traveled in the same e-rickshaw as the deceased student before his death, recalled the boy appearing visibly shaken and distressed during their brief encounter.
Ongoing Investigation and Family's Legacy Plans
The investigation continues to unfold with handwriting analysis of the suicide note pending completion. The family has offered to provide the student's notebooks for comparison, though they express frustration that police haven't yet collected these crucial samples.
Looking toward the future, the brother revealed family plans to honor the deceased's memory through charitable work and potentially naming a school in their native village after him. These intentions reflect the family's desire to create positive change from their profound loss.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, fundamental questions about student-teacher relationships, institutional accountability, and mental health support systems in educational institutions demand urgent attention and resolution.
