The death of a schoolgirl in Thanjavur district, has triggered considerable controversy in Tamil Nadu.
On January 31, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, transferred the case to the CBI, observing that since State Ministers had taken a stand on the issue, and the Thanjavur Superintendent of Police had ruled out the conversion angle, the impression was that the investigation was not proceeding along the right lines
The student, who died by suicide, was studying at a Christian missionary school in the district. She was originally from Ariyalur district, and stayed at the school hostel. Allegations have been made stating that the girl was being forced to convert to Christianity—a video clip purporting this has emerged, while the parents of the child filed a petition alleging that she was forced to carry out domestic chores at the hostel and also asked to convert to Christianity.
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The BJP has launched protests with regard to this issue, and the matter is now being heard at the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, has also launched an inquiry into the issue.