Two adolescents from Hyderabad end their lives in consecutive days
In a tragic turn of events in Hyderabad, a 15-year-old boy, Shaikh Rizwan, took his life by jumping from his school building on July 19. The incident has sparked an investigation, with the Miyapur police registering a case of abetment to suicide against the school management and Rizwan's parents.
According to reports, Rizwan was in contact with a fellow student, Hansika, via Instagram. The school learned of this interaction and called both students and their parents to warn them about it. This warning reportedly upset Rizwan, leading to his tragic decision.
Following Rizwan's death, the school principal allegedly demanded a No Objection Certificate from Rizwan's parents for Hansika to continue attending school and exams. This request, made during Hansika's grieving state, has been seen as insensitive and has drawn police scrutiny.
Moreover, Rizwan's father is said to have blamed Hansika for his son's suicide and made hurtful remarks towards her. This behaviour has further raised concerns about the role of parents in such situations.
The investigation is focusing on whether the actions and responses of the school and parents contributed directly to Rizwan's suicide. If found guilty, they could face legal consequences.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for schools to approach adolescent issues with sensitivity and empathy. Instead of punitive warnings and formal permissions, schools should prioritise emotional support for students navigating complex social situations.
The investigation also underscores the extreme pressures teenagers can face from both authority figures and parents. It is crucial that adults involved in young people's lives understand the impact their actions can have on a student's mental health.
For those in need of immediate help, the Vandrevala Foundation offers a helpline number (9999666555) or [email protected], while TISS iCall can be reached at 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm).
As the investigation continues, it is hoped that this tragic case will serve as a catalyst for change, leading to the establishment of sensitive, proactive mental health support mechanisms in private schools and better collaboration with parents in handling adolescent emotional challenges.
[1] These statements reflect the current understanding of the situation based on available reports. More detailed investigation outcomes are yet to be announced.
[3] This incident aligns with a broader pattern of concerns about bullying, harassment, or inadequate administrative response contributing to adolescent suicides in educational institutions across India.
[1] In light of the tragic suicide of 15-year-old Shaikh Rizwan in Hyderabad, there is increasing emphasis on the importance of science-based mental health education and self-development for students, especially within the realm of health-and-wellness.
[3] The investigation also highlights the significance of learning to handle adolescent emotional challenges with empathy and sensitivity in education-and-self-development programs, particularly in private schools, with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.
