Tamil Nadu: EPS blames ‘lethargic response’ by Stalin govt for Kallakurichi violence

Earlier today the police arrested a total of 120 people for entering the premises of the Kaniyamoor Sakthi Matriculation School and creating a law and order issue.

Published on: Jul 18, 2022, 18:50:30 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK leader E Palaniswami on Monday hit out at the state government led by the DMK's MK Stalin, a day after a violent mob broke into a school in Kallakuruchi district, trashed classrooms, vandalised property and set buses on fire over the alleged suicide of a 17-year-old girl on the campus.

Chennai: AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami addresses a press conference over the incident in Kallakurichi, in Chennai on Monday.  (ANI)

Palaniswami, or EPS, called the DMK government 'lethargic' and said it should be ashamed of itself for failing to react quicker. "It is due to the lethargic response of the government that violence broke out in the aftermath of the suicide," he was quoted by news agency PTI. "The unrest could have been averted if some timely measures had been taken. It also exposes the shortcomings of the intelligence department."

Earlier today the police arrested a total of 120 people for entering the premises of the Kaniyamoor Sakthi Matriculation School and creating a law and order issue.

The arrested were produced before a local court.

On Sunday, 70 others were arrested and two men and a woman holding senior positions in the school management were detained in connection with the death of the girl.

The girl's body was found on July 13 in the hostel premises.

The Madras High Court has ordered a second autopsy of the girl. Authorities at the Kallakurichi Government Medical College said Sunday that the original report indicated the girl appeared to have died of a hemorrhage and shock from multiple injuries.

Chief minister Stalin expressed grief over the incident and said violence was against development. He warned of strict action against those who had disturbed the peace and also against those who may be found guilty for the death of the student.

DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the AASRA Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 91-9820466726.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.