MPs demand independent probe into Kerala athletes' suicide bid

Several members of Parliament today demanded an "independent enquiry" into the recent incident in Kerala where four female athletes of a water sports body attempted suicide, even as the government termed the episode as "shocking and tragic".
"The shocking and tragic incident that occurred at SAI Water Sports Centre, Alappuzha does point out an urgent need to strengthen the SAI training system," Minister of State for Sports Sarbananda Sonowal said.
The incident shows the urgent need to strengthen SAI's training system and government was looking into the recommendations made by SAI Director General who enquired the matter, he said in a written statement both in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

His statement was tabled on his behalf in both the Houses.
The issue generated a brief ruckus in the Upper House as some members said they were not satisfied with the Minister's reply, with A K Antony (Cong) demanding an "independent enquiry" into the incident as insisted by family members.
The members also slammed the Minister's absence as the issue was serious in nature and required the Minister's presence.

Deputy chairman P J Kurien said the Minister had taken his permission for leave as he had to attend to some "exigencies" back in his constituency but asked Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu to convey the collective concerns of the House to the Minister about the incident.

Naidu said he was also convinced for the need of an independent enquiry and would convey the sentiments of the House.
He also agreed to the demand for a discussion on the issue as soon as Parliament convenes for the Monsoon Session.
In his statement, Sonowal said it would not be appropriate to make any specific comment on the issue as several external probes are currently underway.
They include police investigation, preliminary enquiry conducted by the district administration, enquiry by State Sports Secretary and enquiry by State Human Rights Commission.
Of the four girls who attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous fruit 'Othalanga', 15-year-old Aparna Ramabhadran died while three others are undergoing treatment.