Kerala Police Forms SIT to Investigate Tragic Deaths at SAI Hostel
A special investigation team has started work in Kollam. This six-member team will probe the deaths of two young female students. They were found hanging at the Sports Authority of India hostel. The case involves serious allegations of mental harassment and an overly strict hostel system.
Senior Officers to Supervise the Detailed Probe
Kollam East Station House Officer Pushpa Kumar leads the investigation team. Assistant Commissioner of Police S Sharif provides direct supervision. The Director General of Police ordered this detailed inquiry. This follows multiple complaints against the hostel's management. The complaints name coaches and the warden.
The Tragic Incident and Family Allegations
The incident occurred last Thursday. Sandra, an 18-year-old from Kozhikode, and Vaishnavi, a 16-year-old from Thiruvananthapuram, were found deceased in their room. Their families say SAI authorities did not inform them. They learned about the tragedy only after police contacted them.
Sandra's mother, Sindhu, shared her daughter's struggles. Sandra often expressed discomfort with hostel life. She wanted to return home after finishing Class XII to study physiotherapy. "Because of our situation, I kept asking her to continue there. She used to share everything with us," Sindhu stated.
Allegations of Stricter Rules and Harassment
Sindhu claims communication rules became much stricter about a month ago. This followed a change in the hostel warden. She alleges the hostel incharge, Rajeev, warned Sandra. He reportedly told her not to let her mother speak to the new warden. The warning included a threat of expulsion from the hostel.
"She could not call us directly and had to use others' phones. I sensed a change in her voice," the grieving mother added.
Sandra's father, Ravi, filed a formal police complaint. He alleges a physical education teacher subjected his daughter to severe mental harassment. The complaint highlights this point. Ravi also states there are unexplained aspects to the deaths. He notes Sandra and Vaishnavi were not close friends, raising further questions.
Doubts Over Suicide Notes and SIT's Focus
Relatives have expressed suspicion about the recovered suicide notes. They point to apparent similarities in the handwriting, casting doubt on the circumstances.
Police officials confirm the SIT's plan. They will record fresh statements from the victims' classmates and SAI officials. The investigation will thoroughly examine all allegations.
The SIT's examination will focus on three key areas:
- The specific role and conduct of hostel staff.
- The nature and impact of communication restrictions imposed on trainees.
- The exact sequence of events and circumstances that led to the two deaths.
The community awaits answers as this high-priority investigation unfolds in Kollam.
