Family members and relatives of Aruna, 21, a B.Sc. (Critical Care) student at Thanjavur Medical College, sought stringent legal action against Kavin, 24, pursuing Diploma in Operation Theatre Technology course in the same institution for forcing Aruna to take the extreme step of ending her life.

Inquiries reveal that Aruna, a native of Kulambadi hamlet in Dharmapuri district, was staying at a private hostel in Thanjavur and pursuing her studies. Kavin of Thottakadu hamlet in Thanjavur district persisted Aruna to accept his proposal.

As Aruna refused to heed, the accused threatened her to accept his proposal in full view of other students on the college premises on May 4. She lodged a complaint with the college administration and after inquiry Kavin was let off with a warning.

Subsequently, Kavin used to make phone calls from new numbers to Aruna and persisted on her to accept his proposal. On May 26 evening, he called her from an unknown number and threatened her that he would release her morphed photographs on social media platforms.

Aggrieved by the persisted demand and threat from Kavin, Aruna attempted to commit suicide on May 26 night. She was rushed to Thanjavur Medical College Hospital where she died later.

On May 27 morning, the parents and relatives of the deceased staged a protest at the hospital demanding stern action against Kavin and the college management, alleging that their action led to the suicide of Aruna. Meanwhile, the Medical College Police registered a case and picked up Kavin.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050 and Speak2Us mental health helpline 9375493754).

[e.o.m]