New Delhi, November 22, 2025 — The suicide of a 16-year-old Class 10 student from St. Columba’s School in central Delhi has sparked outrage, after CCTV footage reportedly captured a teacher humiliating him in front of his peers. The police investigation has deepened, with statements being recorded from five of the boy’s friends and four school staff suspended amid serious allegations.
Allegations and Harassment
The student, identified as Shourya Patil, died after jumping from the Rajendra Place Metro Station on November 18. In a note recovered from his school bag, he directly named three teachers and the headmistress, accusing them of persistent mental harassment.
His parents and classmates say that Shourya had repeatedly complained of being ridiculed and singled out by teachers over “petty issues.” According to investigators, classmates told police that in the days before his death, he was intimidated and “routinely humiliated” by multiple staff members.
CCTV Evidence
Delhi Police have now secured CCTV footage from both inside St. Columba’s School and from the metro station, covering the period between November 11 and 18. An investigator told the press that in at least one clip, a teacher is seen humiliating the student in front of other children.
According to reports, the nature of these interactions aligns with accounts from the boy’s friends — reinforcing the narrative of a toxic environment where he was repeatedly targeted.
Suspension, FIR & Legal Action
In response to the mounting allegations, St. Columba’s School has suspended four staff members — three teachers and the headmistress — pending the outcome of the investigation.
An FIR has been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically under sections 107 (abetment to suicide) and 3(5) (common intention), based on the father’s complaint.
Probing Witnesses
Investigators have identified five of Shourya’s friends for questioning. Three of these are classmates named in the FIR, and their testimonies reportedly match — describing how the 16-year-old was “picked on” by staff members in the days leading up to his death.
A senior police officer told media outlets that the friends are being questioned about the boy’s behavior, his interactions with the teachers, and how his last day unfolded.
Public Outcry and Demand for Justice
The incident has sparked protests outside the school, with parents, alumni, and students demanding strong action. Demonstrators are calling for arrests, arguing that suspension alone is not enough given the serious nature of the allegations.
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of the case, demanding a report from Delhi’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and District Magistrate within 10 days.
Mental Health & Institutional Failures
According to the student’s friends, Shourya had reached out to the school counsellor with suicidal thoughts — but they claim his concerns were dismissed. The CCTV from the metro station also reportedly shows the teenager assisting a woman on the platform just before the incident, which some see as evidence of his sensitive character.
His suicide note, addressed to his parents, expressed deep remorse, apologized for his decision, and urged that no other child be subjected to the same treatment.
What’s Next
- Police Action: Authorities say they will be summoning the suspended teachers and headmistress soon for questioning.
- School Committee: The Delhi government’s Directorate of Education has formed a five-member committee to investigate the incident.
- Human Rights Scrutiny: The NHRC is closely monitoring the case, particularly with respect to alleged violations of children’s rights and safety.
Why This Case Matters
This tragedy has reignited concerns about student mental health, the power dynamics between school staff and students, and the lack of effective accountability in educational institutions. Many are calling for systemic reforms — better counselling, transparent complaint mechanisms, and stricter oversight of teacher behaviour.
