A Class 8 student and national level skating player attempted suicide by jumping from the third floor of his private school in Dongre Nagar in Ratlam on Friday. He suffered serious injuries and was taken to a private hospital. Doctors say his condition is now stable.
The school said the boy had brought his mobile phone to class on Thursday and recorded a classroom video, which he later posted on social media. When the school found out, the administration called his parents on Friday to discuss the violation of school rules.
CCTV footage that is now part of the police investigation shows the thirteen year old entering the Principal’s office. He stayed inside for nearly four minutes and kept apologising for his mistake. According to the recordings, he said “sorry” fifty two times.
The boy later told his family that the principal threatened to end his career, suspend him and take away his medals. The child has represented his school at national skating competitions twice. His family said he became extremely scared after hearing the principal’s remarks.
Moments after leaving the office, he is seen on camera running through the corridor and suddenly jumping from the third floor.
His father, Pritam Katara, was sitting in the school waiting area at that time and did not know what was happening. He said, “I was invited to meet my son. When I reached the school, I found out he had fallen. He has been to nationals twice in skating. I first got a call from the school and then another call asking me to come to the hospital.”
SDM Archie Harit confirmed that the child had violated school rules by bringing a phone. He said, “The child is in Class 8. He had brought his phone. He ran and jumped. His condition is stable. An investigation will be conducted. Mobile phones are not allowed in school and even teachers’ phones are taken away. He is a skater with a very good national level position.”
The school said it planned to speak to the boy’s father before taking any action.
