NEW DELHI — Delhi Police on Monday questioned two teachers from St. Columba’s School as part of an expanding investigation into the suicide of a Class 10 student. Police also summoned three additional teachers for questioning regarding the incident. The student died by suicide on November 18 after jumping before a train at Rajendra Place metro station.
The two teachers questioned Monday recorded their statements with police. This follows the seizure of a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) containing CCTV footage from the school premises. The footage is from the day the student was reportedly reprimanded after falling during a drama club performance.
Investigation Widens
A senior police officer confirmed investigators are analyzing the CCTV video frame-by-frame. Police are cross-checking the footage against testimonies from the student’s classmates and other students present at the time. Earlier, on Sunday, police had summoned three teachers; two appeared for questioning.
The investigation aims to establish whether teacher conduct constituted criminal harassment. Such harassment could have driven the student to take his own life. Remaining staff members named in the case will be called in phases after preliminary examinations conclude.
Suicide Note Allegations
Police recovered a suicide note from the student. The note named four teachers and accused them of sustained mental harassment. In the note, the student apologized to his family and expressed a wish to donate his organs.
A First Information Report (FIR) under sections related to abetment of suicide was registered shortly after the incident. Police have recorded statements from several of the student’s classmates and other students.
School Actions and Parental Meeting
Following the incident, St. Columba’s School suspended four staff members. This group includes the headmistress for classes 4-10 and the coordinator for classes 9-10. These four staff members were named in the student’s suicide note.
The student’s father met Joint Commissioner of Police (Transport) Milind Mahadeo Dumbere. They discussed the ongoing investigation’s progress. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, school records, and witness accounts to determine the facts.
Support and Resources
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Individuals experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts can seek confidential assistance.
- Contact AASRA at 9820466726 or visitaasra.info/helpline.html.
- Contact iCALL at 9152987821 or visiticallhelpline.org.
- Additional helpline numbers are available through suicide prevention organizations, offering emotional support to individuals and families.