IIT-M appeals against spreading rumours, condemns online trolling over alleged suicide

A week after an 18-year-old girl from Kerala pursuing her first-year undergraduate course in the Humanities stream at IIT Madras committed suicide in her hostel room, the college management issued a statement condemning the fuss over the issue on social media. The management also appealed to everyone to refrain from spreading rumours about the institute. It said that the institute is fully cooperating with the police investigation and is making efforts to ensure physical and mental well-being of its students and staff. Fathima Latheef committed suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan in her Sarayu hostel room on November 8.

Statement by IIT Madras

"The students, faculty, staff, and residents of IIT Madras are deeply saddened and extremely perturbed by the unfortunate and untimely demise of our student, Ms. Fathima Lathief, and the events that unfolded thereafter. As soon as the incident came to the knowledge of IITM authorities, the police were informed immediately and are being extended full cooperation by the Institute. IIT Madras is committed to do whatever is required as per law and ensure fair-play. However, the social media trolling of the Institute, faculty members and students and trial by the media, even before the conclusion of the police investigation, is gravely demoralizing the students, faculty members and staff as well as their families, and tarnishing the reputation of one of the finest Institutes in the Country. Our faculty is known for its high quality, integrity and fairness. We continue to mourn the loss of such a promising young student and continue to make all efforts to ensure the physical and mental well-being of our students, faculty and staff. We reiterate that we are fully cooperating with the police investigation. Our humble appeal to all concerned is not to initiate or spread any rumours about the Institute and those involved and let the inquiry be completed."

READ | Stalin Demands Time-bound Probe In IIT Madras Student's Alleged Suicide

Case taken over by Central Crime Branch

Meanwhile, Chennai Police Commissioner AK Viswanathan said that the case has been handed over to the Central Crime Branch for investigation. Speaking to reporters, he also claimed that he has personally visited the spot of the suicide and examination of several individuals was carried out. "A team will be formed which will be headed by Additional Commissioner and few senior officers to give a better focus and attention considering the sensitivity of the case," apprised AK Viswanathan.

READ | SFI Demands Fair Probe Into IIT Madras Student's Alleged Suicide

SFI demands fair probe

The Students Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest outside the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, on Thursday demanding a fair investigation in the case. Fathima had allegedly committed suicide on November 8. Speaking to the media, one of the protestors alleged that this was the fifth suicide in the campus since last year and that professors have also committed suicide in the past.

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READ | Girl Student Of IIT Madras Ends Life