Fathima case: 2 students on fast, seek probe against faculty

Two students of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) began an indefinite fast on Monday demanding an internal inquiry against the faculty members of the Humanities and Social Sciences Department for the suicide of first year student Fathima Latheef.

The 19-year-old Latheef, a first year student of M.A. Humanities and Development Studies, had committed suicide on November 9 by hanging herself from the ceiling fan in her hostel room, allegedly for religious bias.

The two students -- Azhar Moideen and Justin Joseph -- held placards demanding a probe into the death of Fathima and began their fast and also submitted a representation to the Director.

The fasting students also demanded the formation of a committee of experts to look into the mental well being of the students and the efficacy of the present systems in managing the issues faced by the students.IANS