Navi Mumbai: Following the directions of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Thane District Collector Ashok Shingare has sought a detailed report from the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner regarding the suicide of a Class IX student at Podar International School, Seawoods.
On February 7, 2025, a 14-year-old student of Class 9 allegedly died by suicide by jumping from the fifth floor of the school building in the morning. The student’s father accused the school administration of delaying the submission of CCTV footage and failing to cooperate with the investigation. Additionally, he filed a complaint with the NCPCR, alleging that his son was subjected to harassment at school.
Taking cognizance of the complaint, the NCPCR has instructed the district administration to conduct a fair and impartial inquiry. The commission has also directed that criminal charges be filed if necessary. NCPCR has ordered the submission of a report including details of the investigation so far, complaint records, witness statements, and other relevant documents.
In response, Thane Collector Ashok Shingare has formally requested reports from the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner. “We have received the letter and accordingly we would be forwarding the reports of the findings,” NMMC Commissioner Kailas Shinde said.
Reciprocating the same, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe too confirmed of sending the investigation reports so far to the Thane Collector in coming days.
Till now, police have recorded statements of the eye witnesses, father and other staff of the school. Meanwhile, the mother of the student has not yet recorded her statement even after multiple reminders from the police, said a police officer.
“The father of the son has been a Parent Teacher Member, and has never complained of any bullying in school before. The child had gone to school after being absent for three days. We have still not got a clarity on what happened in those three days as the mother is yet to give her statement. The CCTV footage of the incident and the spot, both was shown to the father of the victim wherein the boy is seen climbing the seven feet height grills on the fifth floor before jumping,” the officer added.
