Teen’s suicide in Sirmaur raises alarming questions on mental health

A deeply distressing incident from Sirmaur district has sent shockwaves through the community, as a 15-year-old schoolgirl allegedly ended her life at home after reportedly facing public humiliation by a teacher at her school. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in the Kala Amb police station area and has reignited serious concerns over the mental well-being of students and the conduct of educators in schools.

The deceased, identified as Naina Devi, a Class 10 student of Government Senior Secondary School, Sainwala, was found hanging in her room, still wearing her school uniform. A resident of Katola Dunga Khala village, Naina had returned from school unusually on foot that day, instead of taking her regular bus. Upon reaching home, she quietly entered her room, leading her mother to believe she was changing clothes. When she did not emerge for a long time and failed to respond, the family forced open the door—only to find her lifeless body hanging from the ceiling.

According to her grieving parents, Naina was mentally disturbed following an incident earlier that day at school. They allege that a mathematics teacher scolded, slapped and publicly humiliated her in front of the entire class. The emotional toll of this incident, they believe, pushed the teenager into taking the extreme step. The family has accused the teacher of persistent harassment, claiming the girl had been under severe stress and had even considered ending her life while still at school.

Following a complaint filed by the victim’s father, the local police have registered a case against the accused teacher under Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) sections related to abetment of suicide. Sirmaur ASP Yogesh Rolta confirmed the registration of the case and stated that an impartial probe was underway. “The autopsy is being conducted, and the report will determine further action,” he added. Police sources also revealed that the teacher in question has proceeded on leave, and she is likely to be summoned for questioning soon.

The tragic incident has cast a harsh spotlight on the emotional pressures faced by students in the current educational environment. It underscores the need for a more compassionate and supportive approach in schools, where discipline must not override basic empathy and respect for young minds.

Mental health experts and educators are now calling for urgent reforms, including the mandatory presence of trained counsellors in schools and sensitisation workshops for teachers. “We must understand that adolescence is a vulnerable phase. Any form of public shaming or corporal punishment can have irreversible consequences,” said a senior education officer who wished to remain anonymous.