Date:25/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/02/25/stories/2005022511290400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Suicide by girl: ex gratia announced

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, FEB. 24. Bowing to an Opposition demand in the Assembly on Thursday, the Home Minister, K. Jana Reddy, announced an ex gratia of Rs. 1 lakh to the family of Aruna, a 15-year-old girl of Panagal near Nalgonda who committed suicide after the excise staff allegedly harassed her.

The Minister ruled out any other probe into the case or suspension/transfer of the guilty excise staff as sought by the Opposition, saying that a magisterial inquiry was already on at the Collector's level to look into the circumstances leading to the suicide.

The CPI and the CPI (M), which took part in the agitation spearheaded by villagers, tabled an adjournment motion soon after the House met this morning. It was disallowed by the Speaker. However, he promised that the Home Minister would make a statement.

Mr. Jana Reddy stated that the excise staff had gone to her house when she was alone on the suspicion that her parents were selling illicit liquor. They had allegedly dragged her out by hand to put her in jeep even as villagers strongly objected to the girl being questioned when her parents were away. The villagers attacked the excise office, destroying property and injuring some personnel.

Floor leaders of all parties demanded an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs and severe punishment to the guilty.