St Columba’s suspends staff as student suicide sparks probe
Delhi’s St Columba’s suspended three teachers and a headmistress after an FIR was filed, citing the seriousness of allegations.
Two days after a Class 10 student from Delhi’s St Columba’s School died by suicide at Rajendra Place metro station, the school has taken disciplinary action, suspending four members of its teaching staff. The decision comes amid the family’s allegations that the boy had been facing harassment from teachers — claims that have now triggered widespread concern and prompted the Delhi government to form a high-level probe committee.
The school’s principal, Robert Fernandes, issued an official order announcing the suspension of three teachers and a headmistress. The order stated that the action followed the registration of an FIR in connection with the incident and took into account the “seriousness of the allegations” against the staff members. It further added that those suspended have been instructed not to visit the school premises or interact with students, parents or staff without written permission from the administration. Requests for comment from Principal Fernandes went unanswered.
Meanwhile, the school community has been left shaken, with many parents expressing worry over the circumstances that may have led to the tragedy. The abruptness of the incident and the allegations of prolonged distress have raised questions about the school’s internal mechanisms for dealing with student grievances.
On Thursday, the boy’s family conducted his last rites in their hometown of Sangli, Maharashtra, after receiving his body from Delhi. Speaking to The Indian Express, the grieving father shared that his son had expressed concerns about some teachers soon after starting Class 10. He said the child had seemed increasingly troubled, and that he had reassured him just a day before the incident that he would shift him to another school if things did not improve. The father said he now regrets not being able to act sooner.
He described his son as a bright and sensitive child, someone who enjoyed studying and rarely complained unless something deeply bothered him. The father’s account has added emotional weight to the ongoing investigation, with many hoping the probe will clarify whether the child was subjected to undue pressure or mistreatment.
The Delhi government, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter, announced the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident. The committee will look into the family’s allegations, school practices and whether there were any warning signs that were overlooked. Officials say they aim to ensure that any lapses are identified and that measures are put in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the investigation moves forward, there is a growing call for schools to improve mental health support, invest in student counselling and take allegations of harassment more seriously. For now, the community mourns the loss of a young life and awaits answers that may help bring a sense of accountability and closure.