Report: Manmeen Walia, New Delhi
A tragic incident took place on Tuesday afternoon at Rajendra Place Metro Station, Platform-2 in Delhi. 16-year-old student Shourya Patil, studying in Class 10 at St. Columba’s School, Ashoka Place, died by suicide after jumping from the metro platform.
The incident happened around 2:45 PM on 18 November. Around 3 PM, a passerby made a PCR call and informed the police and the family. Shourya was taken to a nearby hospital in a severely injured condition, but he had already passed away.
Police recovered a suicide note from the student’s school bag. In the note, Shourya made allegations of mental harassment by some teachers and the school principal.
Names mentioned in the FIR:
• Ms. Manu Kalra (Coordinator)
• Ms. Yukti Mahajan (SST Teacher)
• Ms. Julie Vargis
• Ms. Aparajita Pal (Principal)
The FIR states that these teachers allegedly mentally harassed and threatened the studentrepeatedly.
A case has been registered under Section 107 BNS (abetment to suicide) at Raja Garden Metro Police Station.
The student’s father, Pradeep Patil, said:
• For the last four days, Teacher Julie Vargis had been threatening Shourya that she would call his parents and issue a TC.
• Teacher Ms. Manu Kalra allegedly pushed the child, as told by his classmates.
• On 18 November, during the Dramatics Class, when Shourya fell, Ms. Yukti Mahajanscolded and insulted him in front of the class, saying he was “overacting.”
• When Shourya started crying, Ms. Yukti Mahajan told him that she didn’t care even if he cried.
• Principal Ms. Aparajita Pal was present at that time but said nothing.
His father claims that continuous mental harassment by these teachers pushed his son to take this extreme step.
In the suicide note, Shourya wrote:
• “My name is Shourya Patil… I had to do this because of what the school people said to me.”
• “If any part of my body can be used, please donate it to someone in need.”
• “I have broken my parents’ hearts many times… now for the last time.”
• “My last wish is to take action against Yukti Ma’am, Pal Ma’am, and Manu Kalra… so that no other child suffers like me.”
Shourya repeatedly apologized to his family in the note and wrote that the behaviour of the teachers broke him completely.
Police stated: Handwriting verification of the suicide note is in process. School staff will be questioned. Statements of the family and classmates are being recorded.
This incident raises serious concerns about mental harassment in schools and the safety of students in the national capital.
