Ignored after 52 ‘sorrys’ in 4 minutes, class 8 student jumps from school building

Madhya Pradesh: A Class 8 student, who has represented India as a national-level skating player, attempted suicide by jumping from the third floor of his private school in Dongre Nagar, Ratlam, on Friday. The boy was critically injured but was rushed to a private hospital, where officials have confirmed that his condition is now stable.

What led to the incident?

According to the school, the student had brought his mobile phone to class on Thursday and recorded a video inside a classroom, which he later uploaded to social media. The school administration discovered the video and contacted the boy’s parents on Friday to discuss what it described as a violation of school rules.

CCTV footage from the school, now part of the investigation, shows the 13-year-old entering the principal’s office. He spent nearly four minutes repeatedly apologising, saying "sorry" 52 times in fear and desperation.

The boy later alleged that the principal threatened to "end his career," suspend him, and "take away his medals." Already known for his achievements in skating, including representing at the national level twice, he reportedly broke down after hearing this. Moments later, he is seen running frantically through the corridor before jumping from the third floor.

Shockingly, the boy’s father was waiting in the school’s reception area at the same time, unaware of the incident unfolding nearby.

"I was invited to meet my son. When I reached the school, I found out he had fallen... He has been to nationals twice in skating. I got a call from the school, but then another call came from the school asking me to come straight to the hospital," said the student’s father, Pritam Katara.

How is the administration responding?

SDM Archie Harit confirmed that the child had brought a phone to school, violating school policy, but stressed that the situation escalated unexpectedly. "The child is in Class 8. He had brought his phone. He ran and jumped. His condition is stable. An investigation will be conducted. Mobile phones are not allowed in school even teachers' phones are confiscated. He is a skater with a very good national-level position," Harit said.

The school stated that it had intended to speak with the boy’s father before taking any disciplinary action. However, the rapid chain of events, including the boy’s repeated apologies and extreme reaction, has raised serious questions about how the situation was handled.

(Disclaimer: Suicide is never a solution. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please seek help immediately. The ‘Disha’ helpline offers free counselling and support services. You can call at 1056 or 0471-2552056)