The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken up the probe into the death of Fathima Latheef, a first year student of humanities at the Indian Institute Technology (IIT), Madras.
Fathima, 19, from Kollam, had joined IIT-M in July 2019. She was found dead in her room, No, 349 at Sarayu Hostel, inside the campus on November 9.
R. Lalitha Devi, a professor who was officiating as warden, lodged a complaint with the Kotturpuram police. The police had registered a case under section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code for unnatural death and had handed over the body to her parents.
Her father Abdul Latheef had slammed the Kotturpuram police for their ‘shoddy investigation’ and blamed the faculty members of the department for the death of his daughter. He also claimed that his daughter had left behind a suicide note on her mobile phone. Mr. Latheef met the Chief Ministers of both Tamil Nadu and Kerala and demanded a thorough probe, besides raising serious allegations against a professor.
The death of the student had sparked protests from political parties and student organisations . Following the protests, a special team, led by Additional Commissioner of Police, Central Crime Branch (CCB) C. Easwaramoorthy, was entrusted with the investigation.
While the investigation by the CCB was progressing, the State government issued a notification on December 27, transferring the case to the CBI for further investigation. The CBI, Special Crime Branch, Chennai registered a case and has taken it up for investigation.
“The case has been entrusted to R. Ravi, Deputy Superintendent of Police, CBI, for investigation and report,” said Syed Bazullah, SP CBI, Chennai in the FIR.
Mr. Latheef said, “I am hoping against hope that we will get justice for the death of our daughter.”
Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling the State’s helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.
