A 13-year-old national-level skating player jumped from the third floor of his school building in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, after his principal threatened to “end his career," suspend him, and “take away his medals." The incident took place on Friday at a private school in Dongre Nagar and has sparked serious concerns over the handling of discipline inside the institution.
The Class 8 student, who has also represented his district twice at national skating events, was rushed to a private hospital in a critical state. His condition has been reported to be stable now.
According to the officials, the matter began on Thursday when the student brought his mobile phone to school, against the rules, and recorded a video inside his classroom.
He later posted the video on social media. When the administration found out, his parents were called to the school the next morning to discuss the issue.
CCTV footage, now examined by the authorities, shows the boy walking into the Principal’s office. He remained there for nearly four minutes, repeatedly apologising. According to the footage, he said “sorry" 52 times, appearing frightened and distressed.
The boy later told his parents and officials that the principal had allegedly threatened to “end his career," suspend him, and “take away his medals."
He got scared after listening to this. The young skater, who had earned a strong reputation for his discipline and talent, broke down after hearing this.
Moments after leaving the office, the footage shows him running down the corridor and suddenly jumping over the railing from the third floor.
What makes the incident even more heartbreaking is that the child’s father was already at the school, waiting to meet his son. He had no idea that the situation had escalated so severely.
“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 got a call from the school, but then another call came from the school asking me to come straight to the hospital," his father, Pritam Katara, said.
SDM Archie Harit confirmed that bringing a mobile phone to school was against the rules and stated that even teachers are not allowed to keep phones.
“The child is in Class 8. He had brought his phone. He ran and jumped. His condition is stable. An investigation will be conducted… He is a skater with a very good national-level position," Harit said.
The school has maintained that they intended to speak to the father before taking any action.
District Education Officer Anita Sagar assured action in the matter and said that an investigation is being carried out currently.
“Action will be taken after the investigation is completed…We have written a letter to the police to carry out the investigation…The student’s family members are demanding action against the school administration," she said while speaking to reporters.
