16-year-old’s suicide at Rajendra Metro stn sparks protest at school

HEADMISTRESS AMONG FOUR SUSPENDED FOLLOWING FIR

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

Two days after a Class 10 student died by suicide at Rajendra Place Metro Station, a group of parents, neighbours and family friends staged a protest outside St Columba’s School in Lutyens’ Delhi, alleging sustained mental harassment by several teachers.

Police on Wednesday (November 19) registered an FIR against unknown persons under sections 107 (abetment to suicide) and 3(5) (common intent) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.

The boy's father, in his complaint, alleged that four teachers, including the school principal, had subjected his son to intense mental distress. He said classmates told him that one teacher had repeatedly threatened to call his parents and issue a transfer certificate, while another had allegedly pushed the boy.

Four staff members of St Columba’s School—including the headmistress for Classes IV-X, the coordinator for Classes 9 and 10, and two teachers—have now been placed under temporary suspension the FIR was registered.