The suicide of a 17-yr-old girl Hindu child in Thirukattupalli, Ariyalur district due to alleged forceful conversion and subsequent torture due to non-conversion, has shaken social media.
Lalita (name changed), a 17 year old girl studying at Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School in Thirukattupalli near Thanjavur, committed suicide by drinking poison after she was allegedly tortured to convert to Christianity by the school for her to continue her studies.
The school had allegedly forced Lalita to convert to Christianity saying that she has to change her religion if she wanted to study further. But the girl refused.
While other children of the school went home for Pongal holidays, the school staff had forced Lalita to do chores like cleaning the toilet, washing dishes, etc. Unable to bear the humiliation, a disheartened Lalita attempted suicide by consuming pesticides used in gardens. She was admitted to the Tanjore Government Medical college hospital on January 15 and died a few days later.
Lalita’s parents along with the BJP and other Hindu organizations gathered in front of the Thirukattupalli police station and protested saying that Lalita had consumed pesticides as the hostel warden Sagayamary had forced her to convert.
However, instead of taken action against the school authorities who allegedly tortured the child, the Police have now arrested the parents of the child.
Yesterday, the NCPCR took cognisance of the matter, and directed the DGP of Tamil Nadu to take the necessary action, and start and inquiry into the matter. Following this, the SP of Thanjavur, Ravali Priya had a press meet where she said that there is no proof of forceful conversion of the minor girl. She has also threatened to take action on those who had shared the video of the girl on social media.
However, there is a video testimony of the child where she says, ““My names is Lalita (name changed). They (school) had asked my parents in my presence if they can convert me to Christianity and help her for further studies. Since I didn’t accept, they kept scolding me.” She also named one Sister Sagaya Mary who had allegedly tortured her.
Now, TN BJP Chief Annamalai, has taken to twitter to ask a few questions after the SP’s statement in the Press Meet. As the SP had said that there is no evidence of forceful conversion, Annamalai had written, “What more proof police need? 1. There is a video graphed confession statement of girl. Did the SP come to the conclusion it’s fake? If yes, how? 2. When the parents & all the near relatives have given a clear statement, SP is alleging her parents are liars?”
What more proof police need?
1. There is a video graphed confession statement of girl. Did the SP come to the conclusion it’s fake? If yes, how?
2. When the parents & all the near relatives have given a clear statement, SP is alleging her parents are liars?
Very sad Madam! https://t.co/vSnCeq8jUw
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) January 20, 2022
However, instead of taken action against the school authorities who allegedly tortured the child, the Police have now arrested the parents of the child.
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