A Sivaraman (30), a former functionary of Naam Tamilar Katchi and an accused in Krishnagiri fake NCC camp sexual assault case, passed away in the early hours of Friday at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital in Salem. He succumbed after failing to respond to treatment following his suicide attempt consuming poison ahead of his arrest.
Sivaraman, who was arrested earlier in connection with a fake NCC camp where a minor girl was sexually assaulted, had attempted to escape custody, resulting in a leg fracture. He was initially admitted to the Government Krishnagiri Medical College Hospital, according to a report on PTI. Although he did not immediately disclose that he had ingested poison, he later confessed to the police, which led to his transfer to the Salem hospital for further treatment.
A second Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case was filed against Sivaraman on Wednesday, following a complaint from the parents of a 14-year-old girl, further compounding the serious charges against him. Sivaraman was one of 11 individuals, including school authorities, arrested by the Bargur All Women Police in connection with the fake NCC camp, where several girls were reportedly abused. The incident came to light after an eighth-grade student confided in her parents, who subsequently lodged a police complaint.
In a related event, Sivaraman's father, S. Ashok Kumar (61), died in a road accident on Thursday night. Kumar, who was riding a two-wheeler near Kaveripattinam, fell and succumbed to his injuries, as reported by The New Indian Express.
Investigations revealed that the private school involved in organizing the fake NCC camp did not actually have an NCC unit. The school authorities reportedly agreed to the event without conducting a proper background check, leading to the tragic incidents that followed. crimes.
However, Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu raised suspicion over the sudden death of father and son. Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai said, "Both the deaths are suspicious. Sivaraman may have been killed for fear that Sivaraman might reveal the names of other key figures involved in the sex crime during the investigation by the Special Investigation Team. A strong doubt arises whether all those involved in the case have actually been arrested or whether the deaths of both the father and son have taken place in an attempt to save someone."
(If anyone faces mental health issues or knows anyone having suicidal feelings, they can seek emotional support with helpline numbers from suicide prevention organizations in the state.
Tamil Nadu: The State Health Department's Suicide Helpline is 104.
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre: 044 24640050)