Tamil Nadu: A case of forced religious conversion came to the fore after, a Class 12 girl residing in a boarding house called St Michael’s Girls’ Home in Thanjavur committed suicide consuming poison.
According to the reports, Lavanya a 17-year-old girl was admitted to the Thanjavur Medical College after she fell ill. Investigations revealed that the warden of the hostel allegedly tortured the girl to convert to Christianity. Disturbed by the alleged abuse and coercion, she decided to drink pesticides and end her life. Lavanya, who first fell ill on January 10th was admitted to a nearby clinic where no improvement in her health was noticed. Following which she was shifted to the Thanjavur Medical College.
It was after the examination by the medics on 19th January, that the matter gained official recognition. A brief conversation with the police was sought after hospital administration informed them. Based on the girls’ statement, hostel warden Sakayamari (62) was arrested and produced in court. She is currently lodged in a sub-jail in Tiruchirappalli.