Did a Teacher's Harassment Drive a Delhi Teen to Suicide?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Student safety must be prioritized in educational institutions.
- Teachers should be held accountable for their actions.
- Open communication channels between students and parents are essential.
- Schools need to implement anti-bullying policies.
- Support systems for mental health should be strengthened.
New Delhi, Nov 20 (NationPress) A significant protest took place following the tragic suicide of a 16-year-old Class 10 student at Rajendra Place Metro Station in Delhi. The student left a note accusing his teacher of harassment and calling for action.
The teenager departed for school on November 18, while his father was away, and was later discovered deceased at the station.
Authorities found his school bag, which contained a note indicating he felt compelled to take this drastic action due to alleged mistreatment at school.
The news of his passing ignited widespread outrage, leading parents and students to gather outside the school, demanding accountability and immediate action against those implicated in the claims.
Police are currently investigating the suicide note's content and the allegations made in the FIR.
Parents expressed concerns that some teachers frequently misbehave with students, fostering a climate of fear.
One parent shared with IANS, "My child has also been attending this school for two years. Students here are afraid to communicate with their teachers. When I ask my child why he is scared, he says he fears I will react like the teachers do. There is a pervasive atmosphere of fear among the students, preventing them from speaking out."
A friend of the deceased mentioned that their last conversation occurred on November 16, where he expressed ongoing worries about harassment from a Drama Club teacher, which left him feeling profoundly depressed.
"He confided in me about being insulted frequently, and recounted how he was told not to cry during drama practice, as crying is something only girls do. The teacher is very demotivating, and he was under immense stress," she explained.
According to the FIR filed by the father, the student had been experiencing "severe mental stress" due to persistent harassment from teachers.
The father claimed his son had repeatedly reported issues with certain teachers who "scolded, insulted, and mentally tormented him over trivial matters."
Despite multiple verbal complaints to school officials, the alleged unacceptable behavior persisted, as stated in the FIR. The family described the boy's final weeks as increasingly distressing, noting that their appeals to educators and the principal went unanswered.