New Delhi: Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has summoned Director General, Sports Authority of India and asked him to rush to spot in Alapuzha in Kerala to give an accurate factual report on the incident. 4 Female athletes committed suicide yesterday by eating some poisonous fruit due to alleged harassment by seniors. One of them passed away while the condition of 3 others admitted to hospital is critical.
All the four girls were undergoing training at Water Sports Centre of Sports Authority of India here have been hospitalised at Alapuzha Medical College.
In a statement Sonowal said, “I am deeply aggrieved by the incident that has happened in Kerala. The young girl who has died was a very promising sportsperson. It is a big loss to the country in general and Sports Authority of India and sports fraternity in particular. I convey my condolences to the bereaved family. We will give all possible help to the bereaved family”
“Three girls are still undergoing treatment. I pray for their speedy recovery. To provide them the best possible treatment is our top priority”, he added.
” Local police is investigating the matter. I have also directed the Director General of SAI to rush to the spot and give me a factual report. I have specifically directed him to ensure that the best possible treatment is made available to the three girls who are undergoing treatment”
“While law will take its own course, at this stage I would only like to say that if anyone from Sports Authority of India is found guilty in connection with this tragic incident, strictest possible action will be taken against him or her”.
Meanwhile,Sports Authority of India Director General Injeti Srinivas said that this was the most tragic and shocking incident in 3 decade long existence of SAI. He said that the Police was investigating matter and sub divisional magistrate has taken deposition of one girl who is able to speak.
We have tried to ensure that they are getting best medical attention: SAI Director General Injeti Srinivas pic.twitter.com/fmlOkwMCwW
— ANI (@ANI_news) May 7, 2015
A Suicide note was also left by the athletes which was jointly signed where they had alleged that they were being physically and mentally tortured by some seniors.
All of them were athletes in canoeing and kayaking. One of the girls in serious condition had won a gold medalist at the recently-held 35th National Games held in January this year. One of the girls, Aparna aged 15, passed away while 3 are battling for life in Intensive Care Unit.