TN Minority Panel says school girl committed suicide

Chennai, Nov 25 (UNI) Controversy surrounding the mysterious death of a Plus Two girl at a school in Omalur in Salem District took a new turn today with the Tamil Nadu Minorities Commission claiming it to be a case of suicide.

This was stated in the report submitted by newly-appointed Commission Chairman Vincent Chinnadurai to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi after a 'fact-finding mission.' Mr Chinnadurai and Commission Members Abdul Rahim and Vasanthi Stanley visited the school on Mr Karunanidhi's advice and held inquiries with public, students, teachers, police, revenue and educational officials.

Studying in the government-aided school and staying in hostel, Sugunya was reported missing on November 16 and her body was found floating in a well in the school campus on November 18.

This triggered violence as locals, blaming the school management for the death, ransacked the school premises and set fire to computers.

Quoting post-mortem reports, Mr Chinnadurai said it was a case of suicide. The report clearly stated there were no symptoms of rape.

On the attack on school, he said it was a planned incident and carried out by a gang hired by the management of a nearby school.

The total damage was estimated at around Rs 1.5 crore, he said and recommended stringent action against those involved in it.

On the presence of liquor bottles and condoms in the school premises, Mr Chinnadurai said it was placed by some miscreants with a view to tarnish the image of the school.

After receiving the report, Mr Karunanidhi told Mr Chinnadurai adequate compensation would be paid after revenue officials estimated the loss. Besides, security will be provided to the school.

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