Condition of 3 SAI Athletes Improves after Suicide Attempt

The condition of the three young women athletes, who were fighting for their lives after a suicide attempt, is said to be better now. However, it is still uncertain if they are out of danger.

It is also being said that the athletes are under observation, in case their condition worsens due to the toxic nature of the fruit they consumed. "We are also looking into the option of shifting the athletes elsewhere for expert treatment,"  The Indian Express quoted a source as saying. 

Four athletes of Sports Authority of India's Water Sports Centre in Alappuzha were found unconscious at their hostel room on Wednesday night and were rushed to Alappuzha Medical College, where one of them died on Thursday morning. The girls had consumed a poisonous fruit 'cerbera odollam' 

The police found a suicide note signed by all four of them from their hostel room, which alleged harassment by their seniors. The police denied that the note carried any mention of ragging , but said that the note clarified that their seniors used to punish them even for "small mistakes".

"Yes, a note written by the four has been recovered and it does not say anything about their being ragged or harassed by seniors, but it mentions that for a small mistake committed by them, they were being taken to task," Alappuzha district police superintendent Suresh Kumar told IANS.

However, the family of the 15-year-old deceased athlete, Aparna Ramachandran, claimed that the girls were physically and mentally harassed and were "under pressure", Hindustan Times reported. 

"They were physically and mentally harassed. Aparna suffered injuries when the coach thrashed her with an oar," Aparna's family member said.

Her another relative K Brawen alleged: "Those who complained were punished more".

Of the three undergoing treatment at the hospital, one is gold medal winner at 35th National Games.

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has ordered multiple probes into the incident even as SAI has assured that it would take stringent actions if anyone from inside is found guilty.