Dalit girl suicide: Family seeks protection, HM yet to be arrested
Madurai: Two weeks after a 16-year-old dalit student died by suicide following an admission dispute at a Usilampatti school, her family has alleged intimidation from members of kallar community and sought police protection.
“I request justice, compensation and protection for our family,” girl’s mother P Thavamani, 40, said in a petition submitted to the Madurai collector.
The girl, Nishanthi, had scored 412 out of 500 in Class X and hoped to pursue nursing. On Aug 24, she lowered her mother’s folded hands when they approached Govt Higher Secondary School near Usilampatti bus stand for admission. Headmaster Vimaladevi allegedly rebuked her and ordered her out. Nishanthi died by suicide the next day.
Police initially registered an unnatural death case. TOI reported on Aug 28 that relatives accused police of refusing to invoke the SC/ST Act despite their complaint alleging caste discrimination. Police later altered the FIR to add Section 108 of BNS and Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Thavamani said the family had not received compensation and urged authorities to dismiss Vimaladevi, who has been suspended by the school education department. Her petition also sought an immediate arrest of Vimaladevi, a chargesheet within two months, an expedited trial and protection for her family members.
Meanwhile, Vimaladevi moved the Madurai bench of Madras high court while apprehending arrest. On Sept 3, the court directed her to surrender before the third additional district judge (PCR), Madurai, by Sept 18 and apply for bail.
A notice from Vimaladevi counsel said she would surrender on Sept 10 and asked Thavamani to raise objections before the court in person or through counsel. It said the bail plea would otherwise be decided on its merits in her absence.
Courtesy : TOI
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