Probe begins into Odisha student's suicide

Bhubaneswar, Aug 20: A probe has been initiated into the suicide of a tribal woman student a week ago in Odisha's Gajapati district after she did not get her stipend released from the authorities for more than a year, an official said on Wednesday.

"The government has directed me to investigate and submit a report within 15 days. I have began the probe," Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Southern Division) Bikash Chandra Mohapatra told IANS.

During the investigation, Mohapatra said he will meet the parents of the victim, local people and officials and ascertain the exact reason behind the suicide.

Nursing student Sunita Raita, 21, committed suicide Aug 13 at her village Diptinagar in Gajapati district, after allegedly failing to get her stipend released from the authorities for more than a year.

She had also approached the district collector two days before her death with her grievance. In her suicide note, she had named the district collector as being responsible for her death.

Sunita's parents, who work as daily wagers, said she had joined the course with a hope that the stipend under a government scheme will meet the course fee and hostel dues.

The state government transferred Basudev Bahinipati, the district collector of Gajapati after his name figured in the suicide note.

Although Chief Minister Naveen Patanik announced compensation of Rs.1 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, the parents of the woman said they will not take the money.

While the state government ordered an administrative enquiry, the central tribal affairs ministry has sought a detailed report from the state authorities on the matter.

IANS