A tragic incident in Trichy has resulted in the death of a 15-year-old girl, who succumbed to severe burn injuries nearly two weeks after setting herself ablaze at her family home. The young student, identified as Vidhya, was reportedly distressed after a confrontation with her mother.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The event unfolded on the night of December 23 at the family's residence in Jailpettai, Trichy. According to police sources, Vidhya's mother, Jacintha, confronted her daughter on suspicions of taking money from a household locker. This accusation led to a heated argument between the two.
Overwhelmed by the situation and her mother's allegations, the Class 10 student, in a moment of extreme distress, poured kerosene on herself and ignited it. The act sent shockwaves through the household and the neighbourhood.
Struggle for Survival and Medical Efforts
Family members and neighbours, upon hearing the commotion, rushed to douse the flames. They immediately transported the critically injured girl to the Trichy General Hospital for initial emergency care. Medical reports indicated she had sustained burns covering nearly 50% of her body, a life-threatening condition.
Seeking advanced treatment, she was later shifted to the specialised burns unit at the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital. Here, Vidhya battled for her life for almost two weeks, receiving continuous medical care. Despite the relentless efforts of doctors, her condition did not improve.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
Vidhya passed away on Thursday afternoon, bringing a heartbreaking end to the struggle. A postmortem examination was conducted as per procedure, and her body was handed over to her grieving family on Friday. Her parents, Kandhasamy and Jacintha, both work as daily wage labourers.
In response to the incident, the Gandhi Market police have registered a case. The filing has been made under Section 194 (pertaining to unnatural death) of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). An investigation is underway to ascertain the complete circumstances leading to the tragedy.
This devastating event underscores the critical need for awareness and support systems for adolescent mental health. It is a stark reminder for families and communities to foster open communication and seek help during crises.
Assistance for those experiencing suicidal thoughts is available through Tamil Nadu's health helpline at 104 and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline at 044-24640050.
