Uneasy calm prevailed at Kuzhumur near Senthurai, where the body of Dalit girl S. Anitha, who committed suicide on Friday, has been kept for public homage.
A large number of relatives, friends and cadres of political parties paid homage to the 17-year-old girl who ended her life apparently dejected over not being able to get a MBBS seat.
VCK leader Thol. Thirumalavalan was among those who paid respect to her. Film director Gowthaman, who laid a wreath, staged a demonstration, holding the State and Central governments responsible for Anitha’s death.
He said that the people would not allow the body to be taken for the funeral unless the Central government issued an order exempting Tamil Nadu from the ambit of the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET).
Meanwhile, the hartal called by various political parties received good response among traders and merchants in Ariyalur district.
Almost all shops and business establishments remained closed. The main streets looked deserted with traders shutting doors from 6 a.m.