Violence in Tamil Nadu town over student’s death; buses torched, DIG injured

The protesters set on fire at least 15 buses, including three police buses. Following the violence, Kallakurichi Collector P N Sridhar issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 until July 31 in Kallakurichi taluk and several places in Chinnasalem.

Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed regret over the violence and assured punishment for all those involved in the girl’s death. Appealing for peace, the CM said he has ordered the Home Secretary and the DGP to visit the site of the violence.

Sources said that on Sunday morning, around 2,000 people gathered at the school – where the Class 12 student was found dead on Wednesday – in response to a protest call on social media by youth groups in the area.

The student is suspected to have jumped to her death from the third floor of the school building. The autopsy report confirmed injuries on the girl’s body.

The protest turned violent, with the mob pelting stones and ransacking the school building, classrooms and the principal’s cabin.

Police said that a suicide note purportedly written by the girl mentioned that she struggled in several of her school subjects. The letter allegedly blamed some of her teachers for putting her under pressure over her poor scores and also asked the school to refund her annual school fee to her parents.

The girl’s family has refused to accept the body until those allegedly responsible for her death are arrested.

Sources said that shortly after the girl’s death, when her family and local residents protested, they were promised strict action against the school. With no action even after three days, the protesters returned to the school in large numbers around 10 am Sunday.

Soon, the protest turned violent, with the mob pelting stones and ransacking the school building, classrooms and the principal’s cabin. They also set fire to school buses parked on the campus besides attacking at least three police vehicles.

“DIG M Pandian and the district Superintendent of Police were among those who were injured in the stone-pelting before a police team was able to manage the situation,” said an official. The situation was brought under control after additional police forces were called in from neighbouring districts, including Villupuram, Cuddalore and Salem.

Minister C V Ganesan and (ruling DMK ally and VCK leader) Thol Thirumavalavan were among those who visited the victim’s family and promised to take up the case with the Chief Minister’s Office, said a senior police officer who was at the spot.

After the violence broke out, DGP C Sylendra Babu appealed to the people to maintain calm and warned strictly against those resorting to violence.