TIRUNELVELI
An anganwadi worker, who immolated herself a few days ago following alleged harassment by a senior officer attached to Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) for bribe, died at Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital on Wednesday.
After her husband Venkatesh of Vagaikulam near Kallidaikurichi in the district died 18 months ago, Sumathi (37), a mother of two children, recently got the anganwadi worker post under the quota reserved for widows.
After Sumathi reportedly immolated herself in her house on March 14, she was admitted to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital. In her dying declaration givern at the hospital later, Sumathi reportedly alleged that Shanthi, Taluk Project Officer, ICDS, Kadayam, demanded bribe frequently for making her post permanent and also for not troubling her during ‘inspections’.
“While those who conceded to her demand were spared, I was repeatedly tortured. Hence, I took the extreme step,” Sumathi said.
As the victim’s startling revelation triggered instant protest by anganwadi workers, Ms. Shanthi was placed under suspension.
After Sumathi died at the hospital on Wednesday, a few hundred anganwadi workers assembled in front of the hospital’s mortuary in the evening. Accompanied by members of All India Democratic Women’s Association, the anganwadi workers staged a dharna demanding the arrest of Shanthi and registration of case against District Project Officer of the ICDS.
The State government should give employment to Sumathi’s children based on their educational qualification and a solatium of ₹25 lakh. “If these genuine demands are not met, the anganwadi workers will start their State-wide indefinite strike shortly,” said Palani, an AIDWA office-bearer.
The relatives of the deceased said they would not accept the body until employment and substantial compensation were given to the affected family.
Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104 and Chennai-based Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.
