Girl's death: School reopens amidst tight security

Salem, Dec 1 (UNI) The government-aided Fatima Girls Higher Secondary School at Omalur, which was closed following the mysterious death of a plus two girl student on November 18, was reopened today amidst tight security.

More than 100 police personnel were deployed on security to prevent any untoward incident after miscreants vandalised the school and set fire to the computer room, blaming the school management for the girl's death.

The school was reopened following the Tamil Nadu government's announcement to this effect, visit by Agriculture Minister Veerapandi S Armuugam and after a probe conducted by the State Minorities Commission and the Revenue Divisional Officer, Athur.

Salem District Collector Mathiavanan told reporters that about 60 per cent attendance were registered today. ''We hope that there will be 100 per cent attendance from Monday,'' he added.

He said the school hostel would also be reopened soon and police security would be in force till the parents and students desired.

It may be recalled that the girl Sukanya, staying in the school hostel, was reported missing on November 16 and her body was found floating near the school well two days later.

This triggered violent reactions from the locals who went on the rampage and attacked the school.

A probe by the State Minorities Commission revealed that the girl's death was a suicide and that the attacks were engineered by some miscreants. The Commission in its report, submitted to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, said properties worth Rs 1.5 crore were damaged in the violent incidents.

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