New Delhi – Three days after a tragic Delhi Class 10 student suicide at St Columba’s School in central Delhi, investigators have made significant progress in understanding the events that led to the 16-year-old’s death. Delhi Police have identified and begun questioning five of the boy’s friends and their families as the investigation into the devastating incident continues to unfold.
Five Friends Questioned as Key Witnesses
The investigation into the Delhi Class 10 student suicide has focused on testimonies from the victim’s close friends. Among the five boys being examined as witnesses, three classmates were specifically named in the First Information Report (FIR) filed based on the father’s complaint. These three students were the first to inform the family that their son had been “picked on” repeatedly during the four days preceding his death.
According to an investigator familiar with the case, the statements from these friends present a uniform narrative. The boys described how their particular group felt targeted, intimidated, and routinely humiliated by three teachers and the school’s headmistress. This consistent account has become a crucial element in understanding the circumstances surrounding the Delhi Class 10 student suicide.
Disturbing CCTV Evidence Emerges
Perhaps the most compelling evidence in the Delhi Class 10 student suicide investigation comes from CCTV footage recovered by police. Investigators have retrieved surveillance recordings covering the period from November 11 to 18 from inside and around the school premises. This footage has proven instrumental in corroborating the students’ accounts.
A police officer involved in the case revealed that at least one recording shows a teacher “seen humiliating him in front of other kids.” This visual evidence has strengthened the investigation and provided concrete support for the allegations of harassment and mistreatment that preceded the Delhi Class 10 student suicide.
Pattern of Harassment and Intimidation
The FIR in the Delhi Class 10 student suicide case details several specific incidents of alleged misconduct by school staff. According to the complaint, the boy confided in his friends that he had been threatened with expulsion and physically shoved by one teacher. Another teacher allegedly accused him of “overacting” and creating “drama” when he refused to participate in a dance rehearsal due to an ankle sprain.
Early accounts from students suggest a disturbing pattern of persistent scolding and disproportionate punishment directed at the boy and his friends. These revelations have painted a picture of systematic targeting rather than isolated incidents, raising serious questions about the school’s handling of student welfare.
School Staff Suspended and Face Legal Action
Following the Delhi Class 10 student suicide, swift action was taken against the accused staff members. On Thursday, the school suspended four staff members—three teachers and the headmistress—after they were booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 107 (abetment to suicide) and 3(5) (common intention).
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Police officials have announced that all four suspended staff members, including the headmistress, will be summoned for questioning this weekend. This development marks a significant escalation in the Delhi Class 10 student suicide investigation as authorities work to establish the exact sequence of events and determine criminal liability.
National Human Rights Commission Intervenes
The gravity of the Delhi Class 10 student suicide has attracted attention at the national level. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the case and demanded an action report from the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and District Magistrate (DM) of Central Delhi within 10 days.
In its notice, the NHRC highlighted critical failures in the school’s duty of care. The commission noted that “complaints were ignored, and no counselling or child protection measures were provided, amounting to violations of the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015, Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and child safety norms.”
Community Response and Protests
The Delhi Class 10 student suicide has sparked outrage among parents and students. A protest was held outside St Columba’s School in central Delhi, with parents and fellow students demanding justice and accountability. The demonstration reflected growing concerns about student safety and the need for better protection mechanisms in educational institutions.
School Administration Remains Silent
Despite repeated attempts to obtain a response, the St Columba’s principal has not commented on the Delhi Class 10 student suicide. Queries sent to the Edmund Rice Organisation, which operates the school, have also gone unanswered. This silence has further fueled concerns among parents and the wider community about transparency and accountability.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation into the Delhi Class 10 student suicide continues, authorities are working to build a comprehensive case. The combination of eyewitness testimonies, CCTV evidence, and formal complaints provides investigators with substantial material to examine. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for how schools handle student discipline and welfare across the country, potentially prompting reforms in educational institutions to prevent similar tragedies.
