The parents of a 16-year-old student from St Columba's School in Ashok Place staged an emotional protest outside the institution on Monday, displaying certificates their son had received during his academic life. This came days after Shourya Patil allegedly died by suicide, leaving behind a note accusing several teachers of persistent harassment.
The Tragic Incident and Suicide Note
According to the FIR registered by Delhi Police on November 18, Shourya Patil allegedly jumped from Platform No. 2 at Rajendra Place Metro Station. Police recovered his school bag from the station, which contained a detailed suicide note that named specific teachers and described the mental torment he endured.
The suicide note revealed that Shourya had frequently complained about the behavior of some teachers who regularly scolded, insulted, and mentally tormented him over minor issues. His father, Pradeep Patil, told media that his son had been under severe mental stress due to ongoing harassment by several teachers at the prestigious school.
Parents' Allegations and School Complaints
Speaking to the media during the protest, Shourya's father revealed disturbing details about the alleged harassment. "I am going to speak to the school management today. There is a meeting with the Joint CP this evening," he said, while displaying his son's academic achievements.
The father made serious allegations against one particular teacher, claiming she had threatened his son by saying she would call his parents and issue a transfer certificate. He also alleged that the teacher had physically pushed the boy.
On November 18, during a class, Shourya slipped and fell, and the teacher allegedly insulted him for overreacting. Classmates informed the father that when the boy began to cry, the teacher said she did not care. Shockingly, the father claimed that the school principal, who was present during this incident, remained silent.
Police Investigation and Teacher Suspensions
Delhi Police have taken swift action in the case, summoning three teachers specifically named in Shourya's suicide note for questioning. A senior police officer confirmed that two of them were expected to appear on Monday.
"We have spoken to four to five students of the school to understand the incident and the nature of the alleged harassment," the officer added. Police also examined two other teachers not named in the note on Sunday, questioning them about the behavior of the four accused teachers.
Following the complaints and police investigation, four teachers have been suspended from St Columba's School. An FIR has been registered under sections relating to abetment to suicide and common intention.
The grieving father highlighted a broader issue in educational institutions, stating, "This happens in many schools, but children do not speak up because of pressure from the school. The school did not even pay him any respect." The family's protest and the subsequent police action have brought attention to the serious issue of student mental health and teacher accountability in Delhi's educational institutions.
