Key accused in girls’ death case surrenders

Sources said that he was reportedly operating from behind the scene in the death of the girl students of the private siddha and naturopathy college in Villupuram.

Venkadesan, president of a Adi Dravida Puratchi Kazhagam, apparently took all decisions relating to the college administration. Students alleged that he was the one who issued threats to parents as they put pressure on the college for refund of fee. 

Soon after the death of the three girls, Vekadesan went into hiding only to obtain an anticipatory bail in the case as a series of allegations were made against him holding him responsible for the students taking the extreme step.  Sources said that Venkadesan had close association with a Congress member, who was running a few engineering colleges in Chennai. 

A complaint was lodged and cases were registered against him under various sections. Following this, police launched a search, but could not nab him. Amid these developments, he surrendered at the Saidapet court in Chennai on Wednesday. 

Now that Venkadesan has surrendered, police may take him into their custody for interrogation, during which cops would be able to get answers to many questions. The police are also expected to seek custody of Vasuki, correspondent of the college, who had already surrendered with the court. Subramani, managing director of the college, has also been named among the accused in the case. The police are questioning the hostel warden, Koteeswari, and the workers, Lakshmi and Sumathi in connection with the death of the girls. 

Sources said that a senior official is making all efforts to protect the college from legal action. 

Meanwhile, tension continues to prevail in the area near the private medical college where three girl students Saranya, Monisha and Priyanka committed suicide on Saturday evening. 

Students and parents were continuing their agitation on the campus demanding stringent action against all those involved in the case. 

The college is in the eye of storm with several political parties demanding severe action against the management. CPI central committee member Dr Narayanan on Wednesday morning met the protesters, extended his support and expressed concern over the future of the students of the college. “Sell the properties of the college and return the students’ money”, Dr Narayanan said. 

On Sunday, the college was sealed following investigation by the district officials and the police. A case was registered against the Correspondent of the college Vasuki, her husband Subramanian, son Swahit Varma and Principal Kalanidhi after which Vasuki surrendered with the court.