A trainee at the Water Sports Centre of the Sports Authority of India at Punnamada near Alappuzha died early on Thursday, after an alleged suicide pact, even as the condition of three others was critical.
The girls were admitted to the Government T.D. Medical College Hospital at Vandanam here on Wednesday, after they consumed a poisonous fruit.
The Kerala government ordered an inquiry, led by Inspector-General (Ernakulam range) M.R. Ajith Kumar. Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said the Sports Secretary would also conduct a probe. The government would bear the medical expenses of the students and provide solatium to the family of the deceased.
The students had consumed fruits of an ‘othalanga’ (Cerbera odollam) tree in a compound near the sports centre.
Then they participated in a training session. When they refused dinner, they were given watermelon at the hostel, sources said.
They complained of uneasiness and by 7.30 p.m. were taken to hospital.
Relatives alleged the students were ragged by seniors at the hostel. There were also allegations that they were mentally and physically tortured by their trainers.
