APHRC indicts district admn for children's suicide

Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, Sep 22 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Human Rights Commission (APHRC) today indicted the district administration and authorities of the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan in the tragic suicide of three orphan children by consuming poison at Tarlagadda, in this district recently.

Speaking to reporters, Commission Chairman Mr Justice Reddy said the administration and society were accountable for children taking the extreme step.

Giving a clean chit to the District Collector, Justice Reddy said the Sarpanch of the village and the ward member could not shirk their responsibility.

He said he did not accept the explanation of the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan authorities that the children ran out of the hostel. It was the duty of the authorities to keep them in the hostel, he said.

The children-- Hemalatha (18), Dhana Lakshmi (12) and Ramesh (10) -- committed suicide by consuming pesticide unable to bear the death of their grand mother, who looked after them following the early demise of their parents.

Chairman Justice Reddy and Secretary Chellappa were here to conduct the inquiry.

UNI JRK SHB HT1804