Delhi school headmistress, three staff suspended after Class 10 student dies by suicide

Following the alleged suicide of a Class 10 student, four staff members, including the headmistress of New Delhi's St. Columba's School, have been placed under temporary suspension. An FIR has been registered against the staff in connection with the tragic incident, where the student left a suicide note alleging persistent mental harassment by his teachers.

Tragedy and allegations: What happened?

The Class 10 student, who reportedly harboured dreams of becoming "the next Shah Rukh Khan," died on Tuesday (November 18) after allegedly jumping from the Rajendra Place Metro Station around 2:34 pm.

The police confirmed the recovery of a suicide note from the student. The note reportedly names a few teachers, alleges mental harassment, includes an apology to his family, and requests that his organs be donated.

An FIR, including charges related to abetment of suicide, has been registered at the Rajendra Nagar police station. Police are actively recording statements from classmates, teachers, and school authorities as part of the ongoing investigation.

Who all are suspended?

The suspension order targets four staff members: the Headmistress (for Classes 4-10), the Coordinator for Classes 9 and 10, and two teachers.

The staffers have been placed under temporary suspension, effective immediately, "in view of the seriousness of the allegations." They are instructed to remain available for official communication, refrain from visiting the school, and avoid interaction with students, staff, or parents without written permission until the investigation is complete.

Action by Delhi Education Department?

A High-Level Inquiry Committee comprising senior officers has been formed to "comprehensively ascertain the factual matrix, causative circumstances and administrative accountability" of the incident.

The committee has been mandated to conduct a "thorough, objective and time-bound inquiry" and submit a comprehensive report, including findings and recommendations, within three days of the order's issuance.

Family's reaction to the suspension?

The student's father voiced strong dissatisfaction, calling the suspension "only temporary."

The father has publicly demanded the immediate arrest of the teachers named in the FIR, stating, "We need to send a message that no teacher should treat our children like that."