A 16-year-old Delhi boy, a Class 10 student of St. Columba School, tragically ended his life by jumping from Platform 2 of Rajendra Place metro station on November 18, 2025.
The boy, named Shourya Patil, left behind a poignant suicide note blaming repeated mental harassment and humiliation by his teachers for his decision. Despite his family raising concerns multiple times, the school allegedly did not take adequate action.
Police have registered an FIR, interrogated teachers, and launched a formal investigation. The incident has sparked widespread concern about mental health, student welfare, and teacher accountability in educational institutions across India.
Final Moments and Heartbreaking Suicide Note
The tragedy unfolded around 2:34 pm when Shourya left his home in Rajiv Nagar for drama club practice at school. Witnesses say he was alone at the metro platform moments before he jumped.
He was rushed to BLK Super Specialty Hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. The police recovered a detailed suicide note from his school bag, which expresses his anguish and apologies to his family.
In the note, Shourya apologised to his mother, saying, “Sorry Mummy, however many times I broke your heart, I am going to do it for the last time,” and to his brother, “Sorry bhaiyya for all the times I was rude to you.”
The note detailed repeated and relentless harassment by three teachers and the school principal, accusing them of scolding, humiliating, and even physically pushing him during school hours.
He wrote, “My last wish is to take action against these teachers so that no other child suffers like me.” He also requested that his organs be donated if viable-a final act of kindness amid his despair. Police said the note included a contact number and were verifying details by interviewing those close to him.
Allegations of Mental Harassment and Neglect
Shourya’s father, Pradeep Patil, told reporters that the boy had complained of ill-treatment for about a year. “Whenever we raised concerns with the school, the authorities dismissed them, saying Shourya needed to focus on studies,” he said. Several classmates confirmed that one teacher had frequently threatened Shourya with transferring him out of the school and calling his parents.
On the day of the incident, Shourya reportedly slipped and fell during dance practice, after which a teacher publicly accused him of overacting and made insensitive remarks like, “Cry as much as you want, it doesn’t matter to me.”
Pradeep added that despite repeated complaints, including this serious incident, the principal and teachers failed to provide support or intervene. The school’s reaction after the incident included promises of support, but the family consistently feels the measures were too little, too late.
Fellow students corroborated these claims, revealing the mental strain Shourya endured in an environment that appeared hostile rather than nurturing.
Official Response and Investigation
Delhi Police have registered an FIR against the accused teachers and begun an inquiry. They are interviewing school staff, Shourya’s family, and classmates to gather evidence.
The Education Department has also directed the school to supply a detailed report on the incident. Meanwhile, counsellors from mental health organisations have been deployed to the school to support students and teachers affected by the tragedy.
Police officials emphasise that the case is being handled sensitively and transparently to ensure justice while protecting the boy’s family’s privacy. They urge educational institutions to be vigilant and proactive in addressing bullying and mental health issues.
The Delhi Metro authorities confirmed the timely response of security and medical teams to the incident.
Broader Context: Mental Health in Indian Schools
Shourya’s death echoes a growing crisis of student suicides linked to academic pressure, bullying, and mental health neglect in India’s schools. Experts warn that toxic educational environments where fear or humiliation replace encouragement can be devastating to vulnerable young minds.
Psychological counsellors advocate for comprehensive mental health programmes integrated within schools, regular teacher training on empathy, anti-bullying policies, and open communication channels for students to seek help without stigma.
Many incidents remain unreported due to fear or social stigma, making awareness and preventive measures critical. The ‘last wish’ in Shourya’s suicide note urges policymakers and schools to enact effective safeguards against such tragedies.
His story may become a catalyst for renewed focus on creating compassionate, safe, and supportive school environments nationwide.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heartbreaking event presents a dire call for urgent reform in how Indian educational institutions address student well-being. Academic success must never come at the cost of mental health or dignity.
Schools are entrusted with the holistic development of children and must foster environments rooted in respect, kindness, and understanding.
While investigations seek to establish facts and accountability, society at large must unite in promoting empathy and vigilance. Listening to young voices, validating their struggles, and acting decisively on harassment can prevent such heartbreaking losses.
