As violent protests rock Chinnasalem in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi over the death of a Class 12 student, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday, July 17 said that state Home Secretary Phanindra Reddy and Director General of Police (DGP) Sylendra Babu have rushed to the protest site. In a tweet, the CM also said that the situation in Kallakurichi was “deplorable” and that those behind the death will be punished based on the police investigation. The CM also appealed to the public to remain calm and trust the government’s actions. In light of the deteriorating situation, the Tamil Nadu police have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in Kallakurichi taluk from July 17 to July 30. The orders are in place in all villages within the Kallakurichi circle and Chinnasalem circle, as well as Chinnasalem subcircle and Nainarpalayam circle
On Wednesday, July 13, the student was found dead at her hostel at Kaniyamoor Sakthi Matriculation School near Chinnasalem. The police found a note in her room which alleged that two teachers at the school “tortured” her, leading her to take her own life. Since then, the girl’s family and other students have been protesting outside the school. However, on Sunday, the protests turned violent as hundreds joined in, with visuals showing them breaking through police barricades and clashing with police personnel. As many as 15 school buses and a police van were set on fire, and visuals also show protesters ramming tractors into school buses, crushing them. Visuals also show a few buildings inside the school premises on fire, and all the vehicles that were parked inside the premises were set on fire as well.
The Tamil Nadu BJP slammed the ruling DMK over the protests, with state party chief K Annamalai saying that the public has “lost its faith in the DMK and the police”. He also accused the police of inaction, saying “the DGP says to wait for the investigation to be completed instead of bringing the situation under control immediately”. In a series of tweets, Annamalai also accused the government of being “incompetent” as the Education Minister has not yet visited the deceased student’s family. Further, he demanded that the CB-CID take over the investigation into the girl’s death.
கள்ளக்குறிச்சியில் நிலவிவரும் சூழல் வருத்தமளிக்கிறது. மாணவியின் மரணம் குறித்து நடைபெற்று வரும் காவல்துறை விசாரணையின் முடிவில், குற்றவாளிகள் நிச்சயம் தண்டிக்கப்படுவார்கள். (1/2)
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) July 17, 2022
என்ன நடக்கிறது கள்ளக்குறிச்சியில்?
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) July 17, 2022
ஆளும் @arivalayam அரசின் மீது மக்கள் நம்பிக்கை இழந்து விட்டனர், காவல்துறையினர் மீது மரியாதை இழந்து விட்டனர், கலவரத்தைக் கட்டுக்குள் கொண்டு வராமல் டிஜிபி அவர்கள் விசாரணை முடியும் வரை காத்திருக்க வேண்டும் என்கிறார், (1/3)
While a case of unnatural death has been registered by the Kallakurichi police, the girl’s family has alleged that it was not suicide. In their complaint, the family alleged that the girl’s injuries were not consistent with the theory of suicide.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm)
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.