Headmaster and Three Teachers Suspended After Death of 16-Year-Old Student in Delhi School

New Delhi | November 21 A serious development has unfolded at St Columba’s School in Delhi after the tragic death of a 16-year-old student, Shourya Patil. Two days after he died by suicide at the Rajendra Place Metro Station, the school administration suspended the headmaster and three teachers named in the FIR filed by the student’s father. They have been instructed not to visit the school or communicate with students, staff or parents unless the administration grants written permission. Shourya’s parents have said they will protest outside the school on Friday, claiming the suspension is temporary and fearing the teachers may be quietly reinstated later. In his final note, Shourya apologised to his mother and wrote that he could no longer handle how his teachers treated him. His words reflected deep emotional distress and suggested he felt helpless in the school environment. In the FIR, his father, Pradeep Patil, accused the headmaster and three teachers of repeatedly scolding and mentally harassing his son over trivial issues. He mentioned that one teacher had allegedly threatened Shourya for days, saying he would be removed from the school and given a transfer certificate. Another teacher had once pushed him, and a third had publicly mocked him during a class on the day of the incident. According to the father, the headmaster witnessed the behaviour but did not intervene. Pradeep Patil said his son had been struggling for some time and had even shared with a school counsellor that he was having suicidal thoughts, but the school never informed the family. He said he had planned to transfer Shourya to another school after his pre-board exams, and Shourya had seemed relieved at that possibility. The family learned more about what the boy faced only after speaking to students who have been protesting outside the school in his memory. In identical suspension letters, Principal Robert Fernandes said the school was aware of the FIR and that the seriousness of the allegations required immediate action. The headmaster and teachers were told they would remain suspended while the investigation continues and must stay available for official communication. As the case gained attention, the Delhi government ordered a high-level probe into the circumstances of Shourya’s death. A five-member committee led by Joint Director Harshit Jain has been formed to conduct a detailed inquiry. The panel has been instructed to examine all aspects of the incident, including administrative responsibility, and to submit a report within three days. The incident has sparked grief, anger and calls for stronger safeguards for students in schools. Many are now demanding greater accountability and better mental health support systems to ensure that no child reaches a point where they feel unheard, unprotected or alone. Headmaster and Three Teachers Suspended After Death of 16-Year-Old Student in Delhi School The tragic death of 16-year-old Shourya Patil at St Columba’s School in Delhi has prompted the suspension of the headmaster and three teachers named in the FIR filed by his father. The school has instructed them not to visit the campus or interact with students, staff, or parents without written permission. Shourya’s parents have announced a protest outside the school, expressing concern that the suspended staff might be reinstated later. In his suicide note, Shourya expressed the emotional pressure he felt at school, while his father alleged that the teachers had been scolding and mentally harassing him for minor issues. Friends of Shourya also reported threats and public humiliation from the teachers in the days leading up to the tragedy. The father revealed that Shourya had confided in a school counsellor about suicidal thoughts, but the family was not informed. In response to the incident, the Delhi government has ordered a high-level inquiry with a five-member committee led by Joint Director Harshit Jain. The panel will investigate the circumstances and administrative accountability and submit its report within three days. The case has raised serious questions about student welfare, mental health support, and accountability in schools, highlighting the urgent need for safer, more supportive educational environments.