The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has sent a formal notice to Neerja Modi School in Jaipur after a preliminary investigation into the death of a Class 6 student revealed serious shortcomings in school safety, anti-bullying measures, and the handling of repeated distress signals from the child.
Student Dies After Tragic Fall in Jaipur
The 11-year-old student died on November 1 after jumping from the fourth floor of the school building. The incident has led to multiple inquiries and widespread concern among parents and child rights groups regarding safety on school campuses.
Inquiry Finds Continuous Bullying
According to the CBSE report, the student had been facing constant harassment from classmates. The bullying included verbal attacks with explicit and sexual comments, which had significantly affected the child’s emotional well-being.
Child Reportedly Sought Help Twice
The report mentions that the student was visibly upset on the day of the incident and had approached her class teacher twice for assistance. However, despite the child’s distress, the school did not refer her to a counsellor, which the Board described as a “serious violation” of its safety and mental health protocols.
School Did Not Follow Protection Guidelines
Officials stated that basic child protection processes were not initiated. The school did not document the child’s complaints, did not involve trained counsellors, and failed to inform senior authorities. CBSE said these failures show a complete breakdown of the school’s internal safety system and breach mandatory policies on bullying prevention and psychological support for students.
Allegations of Poor Response After Incident
The inquiry results were released amid growing criticism from parents’ groups and officials regarding the school’s conduct after the tragedy. Police have stated that, based on initial findings, the case appears to be suicide. CCTV footage is being reviewed to understand the events leading up to the fall.
Parents Lose Their Only Child
The student, who was the only child of her parents, was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but could not be saved and was declared dead upon arrival.
Education Department Team Denied Entry
Following the incident, the Rajasthan School Education Department sent a six-member team to the school for inspection. However, officials said they were denied entry as the main gate was locked from the inside. They reported that no school representative or the principal met them even after waiting for more than 90 minutes. The department warned that refusing cooperation could lead to strict penalties, including cancellation of the school’s recognition.
Reports of Teacher Misconduct Surface
The Joint Parents Association has alleged that the student was also distressed because of a teacher’s behaviour earlier that day, though police have not verified this claim so far.
Investigation Continues
Forensic teams have collected evidence from the site, and the post-mortem examination was carried out in the presence of the child’s parents.
CBSE has now demanded a detailed explanation from the school regarding the findings and has stated that further action will depend on the school’s response.
