women body
Madurai : Two weeks after a 16-year-old dalit student died by suicide following an admission dispute at a Usilampatti school, her family has alleged intimidation from members of kallar community and sought police protection. TOI reported on Aug 28 that relatives accused police of refusing to invoke the SC/ST Act despite their complaint alleging caste discrimination. Police later altered the FIR to add Section 108 of BNS and Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Police initially registered an unnatural death case.
On Sept 3, the court directed her to surrender before the third additional district judge (PCR), Madurai, by Sept 18 and apply for bail. A notice from Vimaladevi counsel said she would surrender on Sept 10 and asked Thavamani to raise objections before the court in person or through counsel.
“I request justice, compensation and protection for our family,” girl’s mother P Thavamani, 40, said in a petition submitted to the Madurai collector. Thavamani said the family had not received compensation and urged authorities to dismiss Vimaladevi, who has been suspended by the school education department. It said the bail plea would otherwise be decided on its merits in her absence.
Her petition also sought an immediate arrest of Vimaladevi, a chargesheet within two months, an expedited trial and protection for her family members. Meanwhile, Vimaladevi moved the Madurai bench of Madras high court while apprehending arrest.