Date:23/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/07/23/stories/2004072309070400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Probe ordered into Dalit's suicide

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, JULY 22. The Government has ordered an inquiry against the former Ongole MRO and now RDO, Serilingampalli near Hyderabad, N. Ravindra Babu, in connection with the suicide by a Dalit. The probe will also cover the present Ongole MRO, Murali, and the sarpanch of Vengamukkapalem.

After receipt of the inquiry report, the revenue officials will be punished if found guilty. This was stated by the Home Minister, K. Jana Reddy, in the Assembly while responding to seven members from different parties who raised the issue during zero hour on Thursday.

The Minister announced a number of benefits for the family of the deceased, N. Hanumantha Rao, which include an ex gratia of Rs 1.5 lakhs, five-acre agriculture land, a house-site and a job in a social welfare hostel to his widow, Sumalatha, and old age pension to his mother.

He also announced an ex gratia of Rs. 10,000 each to the others who also attempted suicide and were undergoing treatment in the Guntur General Hospital.