Nagpur: A day after a Class 8 girl student died by suicide in her room at a govt ashramshala in Gadchiroli district, state tribal development minister Ashok Uikey ordered suspension of the superintendent of the hostel at Sonsari village and directed officials to set up an inquiry and register a criminal case.The case is currently being investigated as an accidental death, and police will decide on further legal action after recording parents’ statements and assessing probe findings, said Gadchiroli SP M Ramesh.Minister Uikey’s intervention and his visit to the Sonsari ashramshala on Tuesday comes amid allegations by parents that their daughter was locked in a room and stopped from going home for Durga Puja. The girl allegedly took her life on Monday evening.The minister also assured the bereaved family of quick justice and warned officials against negligence in functioning of tribal residential schools. Uikey spoke to the family at Kurkheda sub-district hospital, where the girl’s body was kept before last rites, and handed over an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh and promised a job to the girl’s mother at Sonsari ashramshala. He also directed officials to fix responsibility and take strict action against the guilty.The girl, a resident of Mohgaon, reportedly wanted to celebrate the festival at home and her parents had visited the hostel after learning she was unwell. They took her to a local primary health centre for treatment and later brought her back to the ashramshala. When she expressed the desire to accompany them home, the hostel warden reportedly advised against it, citing upcoming exams and special classes.Sources stated the tribal development department has a standing order that unwell students cannot leave the ashramshala till they recover. As per initial accounts given to officials by the girl’s elder brother, who studies in Class 10 at the same school, the decision to keep her at the hostel was mutually taken by her mother and warden.The parents, however, raised fresh allegations about the girl being confined, prompting authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding her death.Additional tribal commissioner, Nagpur region, Ayushi Singh, said an inquiry was underway and the project officer was expected to submit a report soon. She said she visited the ashramshala and spoke to the superintendent and the girl’s relatives. CCTV footage will be examined to verify the parents’ allegations. She also said the department won’t obstruct a parallel police probe. Uikey also directed project officers to regularly review ashramshalas and maintain contact with school officials.
