The Neerja Modi School in Jaipur has suspended two teachers, Class Teacher Punita Sharma and Mathematics Teacher Rachna, in response to the suicide of Amayra, a Class 4 student, nearly 50 days after the incident. This decision follows pressure from the CBSE and the Rajasthan Education Department. The CBSE had earlier issued a notice to the school on November 20, requiring a response within 30 days, which is now being reviewed by a CBSE committee.
Further steps will be determined once the committee completes its evaluation. The Rajasthan Education Department has submitted its inquiry report to senior officials and Education Minister Madan Dilawar. The department, responsible for issuing NOCs to CBSE-affiliated schools, sought clarification from the school management due to identified lapses during the investigation. The school’s action to suspend the two teachers is believed to be a result of interventions at various levels.
Amayra’s tragic suicide on November 1, where she jumped from the school’s fourth floor, prompted her family to accuse the school of neglecting complaints of bullying by fellow students. The CBSE inquiry confirmed instances of bullying and highlighted serious deficiencies in the school’s management. Concerns were raised about potential evidence tampering as the area of the incident was cleaned before forensic examination.
The inquiry report disclosed that the family had raised bullying concerns for 18 months, with no effective actions taken. Despite complaints of inappropriate behavior by another student in May 2024, no measures were implemented. Subsequent complaints, including distressing audio recordings of Amayra, were sent in July 2024. The inquiry committee found that Amayra was in severe mental distress before her death, seeking help from her teacher multiple times but allegedly facing scolding instead of support.
The teacher acknowledged complaints about students using inappropriate language. Security and administrative lapses, such as malfunctioning CCTV cameras in a school with over 5,000 students and missing ID cards, were also noted. The case underscores concerns about student safety, bullying, and accountability in private schools, prompting authorities to consider further actions based on ongoing assessments.
