Probe death of woman athlete, suicide attempt by 3 others: CPM

NEW DELHI: A strong demand for a probe into the attempted suicide by four women athletes at a SAI hostel in Kerala due to alleged harassment and ragging by their trainers and seniors, was made in the Lok Sabha today.

Opposition members expressed concern over reports about the death of 15-year-old athlete, Aparna, and critical condition of three others at an Alappuzha hospital. They reportedly ate a poisonous fruit in an apparent suicide pact following the alleged harassment by seniors.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, M B Rajesh (CPI-M) said the shocking incident should be an eye-opener and government should seriously look into the conditions in sports hostels including those run by Sports Authority of India(SAI).

Demanding an inquiry into the incident to bring the culprits to book, he said the girl who died was a national award winner in kayaking.

He was supported by several members including K C Venugopal and K Suresh, both Congress.