NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, JAN 20
Lavanya, a class 12 student in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur, attempted to end her life after being forced to convert to Christianity. She did not respond to treatment by doctors and died in Thanjavur Medical College Hospital on Wednesday, January 19.
Lavanya (17), was in a boarding house called St Michael’s Girls’ Home in Thanjavur.
Tamil Nadu is in a critical period where missionaries indulging in #IllegalConversion are jeopardizing students. Ms. Lavanya student of Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu committed suicide following coercive tactics by that school.#Justice4Lavanya pic.twitter.com/nyuBi8Umk4
— ABVP Tamilnadu – North (@ABVPNorthTN) January 20, 2022
A video has come to light in which Lavanya confessed that she was constantly scolded and also made to clean all the rooms in the hostel by the hostel warden. The girl alleged that she was also constantly forced to take up Christianity.
Disturbed by these incidents, the girl consumed pesticide in an attempt to kill herself.
Lavanya’s father, Muruganandam, who hails from Ariyalur, was informed on January 10 that his daughter was admitted to the hospital after she vomited on January 9 and complained of severe stomach ache.
Muruganandam transferred Lavanya to the Tanjore Medical College Hospital. When she regained consciousness, she told the doctors about her ordeal and her attempted suicide.
Following this, the doctors informed the Thirukattupalli police. The police then came to question Lavanya.
Based on the interrogation, police found out that the boarding school warden had harassed Lavanya and forced her to convert to Christianity.
Based on the complaint, police arrested warden Sakayamari (62). Lavanya died on Wednesday night, January 19, after not responding to the treatment. The incident has caused a stir in the Thirukattupalli area.
