In a shocking incident that took place in Gorakhpur, a class V student committed suicide after her was 'harshly' punished by his school teacher.
The 11-year-old Navneet Prakash, a student of St Anthony's Convent School, reportedly consumed poison and died in a hospital.
"I am going to end my life today"
Incidentally, it was his suicide note—found in his schoolbag—that revealed the real reason for his suicide and nailed the teacher responsible.
In his heartbreaking note, Navneet reportedly wrote, "Papa, Today is my first exam and my class teacher kept me crying till 9:15 a.m. I was kept standing for three periods. She only listens to her sycophants. I am going to end my life today. Please ask my ma'am not to give such a severe punishment to anyone."
He also wrote his final wish and requested his teacher to never punish any other student the way she punished him.
"Please ask my teacher to not punish anyone so severely," he wrote.
Prakah's parents who are in a state of shock have registered an FIR against the teacher, Bhavna. They have also blamed the authorities of the school for the loss.
Navneet was harassed before as well!
The parents also shared that on September 15, Navneet went to school to write his exam and came back upset. When enquired he revealed that he was reprimanded by his teacher and hours later he consumed poison.
The distraught parents also revealed that Bhavna often harassed their son and they had previously also filed a complaint against her with the school authorities.
Vinay Kumar Singh, Superintendent of Police, told reporters, "We have arrested the teacher, Bhavna, and the matter is being investigated. The parents found the suicide note and a glass rapped in a polythene from which a foul smell was coming out from his school bag. Probably, he has consumed some poison as foam was coming out from his mouth when the family members rushed him to the hospital."
Cases of school negligence towards kids on the rise!
While the school hasn't released any statement from their end, this case comes close on heels to the murder of 7-year-old Pradhuman Thakur. His body was uncovered by a fellow classmate when he went to use the washroom and saw Thakur lying in his own pool of blood with his throat slit.
In another case that took place a few days back, we reported that a six-year-old girl was gangraped by two school staffers at a well known government school in Barmer, Rajasthan.
These cases are a grim reminder of the callous security and safety procedures employed by private schools; as well as lack of check on teachers.
And therefore, it has become even more important for parents to be proactive if they find their ward coming home upset from school.
Parents need to keep an eye on kids' behaviour!
We spoke to Delhi-based clinical psychologist Anuja Kapur, who explained why parents must keep a close watch on kids.
"Sometimes kids go through a rough patch (in life or school) and they are unable to handle their emotions and they end up not trusting anyone near them," she explains adding that this results in them feeling depressed and sometimes even suicidal.
Kapur also lists a few ways parents can prevent any suicidal tendencies in kids.
- Parents need to give quality time to their kids and need to sit with them
- Allow your children to come to you if any mishap has occurred
- Involve them in outdoor games and activities to take their mind off such thoughts
- Finally, reassure them that they have your support
Also read: Horrific! A 3-year-old child is mercilessly beaten up by his tuition teacher
(All images courtesy: Zee & Pixabay)
