Heart-rending scenes were witnessed throughout the day in Kuzhumur village near Senthurai in the district on Saturday, as thousands of mourners from across the State paid their last respects to S. Anitha, 17, who committed suicide on Friday, apparently dejected over her inability to secure an MBBS seat.
Hailed as martyr
Grief-stricken relatives and friends of the deceased, cadres of various political parties, representatives of social and religious organisations, community organizations and forums opposing the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) made a beeline to pay their last respects to Anitha, who was described as a martyr who fought for the cause of hundreds of medical aspirants from Tamil Nadu in the Supreme Court until her last breath. They came in droves to Kuzhumur and placed wreaths and garlands on her body.
VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, sidelined AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran, Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani, CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan and Mahila Congress leader Jothimani were among those who paid tribute to Anitha. Several film personalities including directors Pa. Ranjith and Gowthaman paid their last respects to the deceased, and consoled her father Shanmugam.
As the day wore on, the ground where Anitha’s mortal remains were kept for public homage turned a platform for people to vent their anger at the Central and the State governments. Mourners shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami. They vented their anger by burning the effigies of Mr. Modi.
The police, deployed in large numbers, had a tough time preventing the burning of effigies. Various organisations, political parties and educational institutions mourned Anitha’s death by putting up posters and banners in tribute to her in different parts of Ariyalur district.
“Despite stiff opposition, the irresponsible Central government failed to listen to the voices of thousands of socially and economically backward students. This has claimed the life of a young genius. Both the Centre and the State government should be held responsible for her death,” said Mr. Thirumavalavan.
Tense moments prevailed when Mr. Dhinakaran came to offer homage, as a group of youngsters raised slogans against him and asked him to leave immediately. However, accompanied by Mr. Thirumavalavan, he did pay his last respects to the deceased.
Meanwhile, the hartal called by various political parties received near-total response across the district.