A 16-year-old boy in Delhi died by suicide after allegedly being scolded by his teachers, according to a note found in his bag at Rajendra Place Metro Station. The Class 10 student jumped from the platform around 2:34 pm on November 18. In the suicide note, he identified himself and also provided a phone number to contact.
‘My last wish is…’
“I am very sorry I did this, but the school staff said so much that I had to do it,” the suicide note read, before adding, “If any of my body (organs) works or is in condition to work, please donate it to someone who really needs it.”
He then left an apology for his family members: “My parents did a lot; I am sorry I couldn’t give them anything. I’m sorry, brother, I was rude. I’m sorry, mother, I broke your heart so many times, now I will break it for the last time.”
Towards the end, he added, “Meri last wish hai inke uper action le, me nahi chata koi aur bacha meri tarah kuch kare. [My last wish is that action be taken against them, I don’t want other children to suffer the way I did].”
Family alleges humiliation
The father of the Class 10 student has alleged that his son was subjected to “humiliation” and repeated “scolding” by one of his teachers, which led him to take the tragic step.
“For the past 8-10 months, he’s been complaining that his teacher scolds him for every little thing. The teacher even complained to me about his mischievous behaviour. Despite our insistence, she continued to torture him,” the student’s father said.
He added, “We told him we’d change schools as soon as he passed 10th grade. Three days ago, just before his board exam prelims, he was threatened with expulsion.”
“Yesterday, he slipped and fell, and the teacher scolded him, saying he did it intentionally. He couldn’t bear the humiliation. I received a call at 3:15 pm that he had fallen from the metro station,” the grieving father further said.
Police file FIR
An FIR, filed at the Rajendra Nagar police station and includes charges of abetment of suicide, notes that the student left for school at 7:15 am. At around 2:45 pm, the father received a call about his son. The student was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Four teachers have been temporarily suspended in connection with the case.
Reacting to the temporary suspension, the father demanded the arrest of the teachers named in the FIR and the suicide note, adding, “We need to send a message that no teacher should treat our children like that.”
Further investigation into the case is underway.
DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or in distress contact the Vandrevala Foundation’s helpline (+91-9999666555) which is available in 11 languages including English and can be accessed via telephone or WhatsApp 24×7. You can also contact Fortis Hospital’s National Helpline number 91-8376804102 which is available 24×7. You can also contact the Government Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline ‘KIRAN’ at 18005990019 which is available 24×7.
