Madras HC turns down CBI probe into Fathima Latheef’s death

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Friday turned down a plea seeking CBI probe into the suicide of Fathima Latheef, who was a student at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM).

Last month, Fathima, 19, a bright first year MA Humanities and Development Studies student, took her life by hanging from the ceiling fan of her hostel room, allegedly on the account of religious bias against her.

Hearing a petition for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe filed by the National Students Union of India (NSUI), the court said that if desirous, the Tamil Nadu government can opt for such a probe.

The state government said the case is being probed by the Central Crime Branch.