Students Protest Outside St Columba’s School Demanding Justice After Teen’s Suicide
Shourya Patil’s tragic death sparks student demonstrations calling for action against alleged teacher harassment.
Shourya Patil, a 16-year-old Class 10 student of Delhi’s prestigious St Columba’s School, tragically died by suicide after enduring months of alleged mental harassment and humiliation by teachers, students revealed. On November 18, Shourya jumped from a platform at the Rajendra Place metro station, leaving behind a poignant note apologizing to his family and blaming the school environment for his decision.
According to classmates, Shourya confided to a school counselor that he had persistent suicidal thoughts after being “tortured” by teachers for over six months. Students described incidents of body shaming, verbal insults, and public humiliation. One troubling episode occurred during dance practice, where a teacher mocked Shourya’s fall on stage and allegedly told him, “Cry as much as you want, I don’t care,” even as the Headmistress Aparajita Pal was present but did not intervene.
Shourya’s father, Pradeep Patil, revealed that his son was publicly scolded and humiliated on the day of his death. He also named several teachers who purportedly threatened or physically mistreated his son, including threats of expulsion and an incident where Shourya was pushed. Despite raising concerns repeatedly with the school, the family says their pleas were largely ignored.
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In his suicide note, Shourya expressed deep remorse to his mother, brother, and father while apologizing repeatedly. He wrote, “Sorry mummy, aapka itni bar dil toda, ab last bar todunga” (Sorry mummy, I broke your heart many times, I will do it for the last time), and pleaded for his organs to be donated if they were fit. The note profoundly highlights the pain he endured in silence and the lack of support he received at school.
Delhi Police have registered an FIR and are investigating the case, interviewing school staff, students, and Shourya’s family. The Education Department has directed the school to submit a detailed report while mental health counselors have been deployed to support students affected by the tragedy. This heartbreaking case has sparked urgent calls for stronger protections against bullying and more robust mental health support within schools.
