A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Kotar village near Mukundpur in Madhya Pradesh’s Maihar district on Tuesday evening, where an 11-year-old boy allegedly died by suicide after being reprimanded by his mother for skipping school.

The child, identified as Rituraj Dwivedi, was a Class 5 student. He was found hanging inside a room used for storing fodder at his residence, police said, sending shockwaves through the quiet rural community.

Skipped school, roamed village on bicycle

According to police officials, Rituraj deliberately skipped school on Tuesday and spent the day roaming around the village on his bicycle. When his mother questioned and scolded him for missing school, the boy reportedly became upset and walked away from the house.

Later that evening, family members found him unresponsive inside the fodder storage room. Despite efforts to rush him for medical help, he could not be saved.

Past self-harm attempt revealed

Tala police station in-charge Mahendra Mishra said the family disclosed that the child had exhibited behavioural issues earlier as well.
“The boy was 11 years old and studying in Class 5. His family told us that he had anger issues and had previously attempted self-harm by trying to jump off the roof,” Mishra said.

Police believe the emotional distress following the reprimand may have triggered the extreme step, though investigations are ongoing.

Police await post-mortem report

The body has been taken into custody and sent for post-mortem examination. “The report is awaited, and further action will be decided after reviewing the findings. Prima facie, it appears to be a case of suicide,” Mishra added.

No suicide note was recovered, and there is no indication of external involvement so far.

A stark reminder on child mental health

The incident has reignited concerns over children’s mental and emotional well-being, especially in situations involving discipline and academic expectations. Experts caution that young children often lack the emotional maturity to cope with stress, anger, or fear, making them particularly vulnerable during moments of reprimand or perceived failure.

Community members and child welfare advocates have urged parents, teachers, and caregivers to respond to behavioural issues with patience and empathy, and to seek professional support when warning signs of distress emerge.

If a child shows signs of emotional struggle or self-harm, timely counselling and open communication can be lifesaving.