Suicides an unending tale in Madras IIT
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Chennai: Suicide has become a continuing tale in Madras IIT, a premier educational institution under the central government. Five people committed suicide this year alone. Fatima Latif, a Kollam native and student of Integrated MA Humanities and Development studies, was the last to resort to the tragic act.
S. Shahal Komath of Malappuram, Gopal Babu of Uttar Pradesh, Ranjana Kumari of Jharkhand and Atiti Sinha, who was an assistant professor, were the five.
Over the last five years, not less than 35 people have reportedly committed suicide. Of these, 10 are Keralites.
However, when it comes to police cases, a racket seems to be functioning to hush up suicide incidents
It is alleged that the institution is diverting a special fund allocated for counselling for students facing psychological distress, welfare programmes and others, to bring the cases to a compromise.
A caucus, allegedly involving officials of IIT administration department, Kotturpuram Police Station, Royal Pettah government hospital and others is said to be behind the hush up operation
Friends of the victims are reluctant to accompany the dead body. The officials at the police station and the hospital turn a blind eye to the reporters who seek details of the deaths. Private agencies instituted by the institute take the initiative to dispatch the dead body to the victim's place. The police are used to explain the reasons for the death as low marks, psychological stress and jilted love.
However, there is a strong allegation that the authorities are highly biased against the students of religious minorities and socially backward communities. According to Namasivayam, a social activist, most of the teachers still harbour the brahminic casteist prejudices.
Ullas, an alumnus of the institute said that the oppressive nature of the administration has become more evident since the BJP government was sworn into power at the Centre.
The institute’s establishment is strongly supported in such matters by Sangh Parivar factions including ABVP.
