Hyderabad : An entire community in shock due to a heartbreaking incident in Hyderabad. After allegedly being scolded and slapped by a teacher, a 14-year-old Class 8 student of a private school jumped off the fourth floor of the building.
The boy was chastised by a Physical Education (P.E.) teacher in front of his classmates after he reportedly tampered with the angle of a CCTV camera in the classroom, as per reports around 9:30 AM on Saturday. So deeply insulted and embarrassed, the student asked the teacher for permission to go to the washroom but instead went to the fourth floor where they took the extreme step.
The young boy was rushed to a hospital but could not be saved. His classmates later alleged that the teacher slapped him and a case of abetment to suicide has since been registered at the behest of the authorities.
In a poignant twist, police found a suicide note in his book in which he expressed his apologies to his mother for taking his life. The investigation is ongoing.
The tragedy raises significant issues around mental health, student discipline and the consequences of punitive measures in schools. No child should ever feel this helpless. Schools must ensure that they are a safe, supportive pass for students.
