The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has decided to send its team to Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu in order to probe the suicide of 12th standard girl M Lavanya who consumed poison when forced by the school authorities to convert.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights on 28th of January, took to Twitter for a press release. In the press release, NCPCR informed that a team headed by Chairperson Priyank Kanongo will visit Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu to inquire into the suicidal death of the 12th standard girl of the Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School as the child rights body has received a complaint regarding the matter. The team will visit and inquire on 30th and 31st of January.

The press release by NCPCR said , “a complaint was received by the Commission alleging that the minor girl was force to illegal conversion into Christianity and consequent upon opposing this conversion, the girl imposed corporal punishment, refused to go home and made to clean toilets and wash dishes etc., by the school authorities. As a result, the child committed suicide by drinking pesticides, because of atrocities faced by her. The Government of Tamil Nadu is reluctant to extend the necessary facilities/support to the NCPCR team for the said inquiry into the incidence on the pretext of imposition of Model Code of Conduct which came into force due to Local Body Ordinary Elections in the State of Tamil Nadu”.

An unfortunate incident took place which clearly describes what Predatory Proselytization by missionaries look like. The very concept of Abrahamic religions like Islam and Christianity is itself hazardous for the peace loving society.

M Lavanya, who was a student of Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Thirukattupali in Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, commited suicide after she was forced and tortured by school authorities in order to convert her to Christinity. Lavanya was a Hindu daughter of a poor farmer. She used to study in 12th standard. She committed suicide by drinking poison when was forced to convert to Christianity at school. She was also told by the school authorities that she will not be allowed to continue her studies if she will not not convert. School authorities even cancelled her leave for Pongal festival and forced her to do chores like cleaning toilets and washing dishes. Lavanya courageously showed her resistance and always refused to convert. She consumed the pesticides which was used in garden in order to end her life. It must be noted that the Christian missionary school was government aided.

 

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