IANS/Alappuzha

Multiple probes have commenced after a 15-year-old athlete died in Kerala and three others are in serious condition. The four are alleged to have consumed a poisonous fruit upon being admonished for drinking alcohol, police said yesterday.
One of the girls had won a gold medal at the recently-held 35th National Games here. All four were staying at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) water sports centre at Vembanad lake.
The local police that began the probe have recovered a suicide note purportedly written by the athletes, Alappuzha district police superintendent Suresh Kumar said.
“A note written by the four has been recovered and it does not mention anything about them being ragged or harassed by seniors. However, it does state that they were taken to task for a small mistake,” Kumar said.
He added that apart from a dying declaration, a statement from the three has been taken by law enforcement officials.
Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reacted strongly to suggestions that SAI officials were to blame for the tragedy. He said the sternest action would be taken if investigations found any SAI officials guilty of wrongdoing.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, while expressing shock over the incident, asked the state’s inspector general of police, M R Ajith Kumar, to conduct a probe.
State Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has asked Sports Secretary M Sivasankar for a report on the incident and announced that the medical expenses of the three athletes would be met by the government.
Sources revealed that the girls - all athletes taking part in canoeing and kayaking - had consumed alcohol and this was brought to the notice of the authorities who reprimanded them.
Apparently unhappy at being taken to task by the authorities, the four are believed to have consumed the poisonous fruit.
Alappuzha district police superintendent Suresh Kumar said the condition of the surviving athletes was critical.
“They were all brought in a serious condition to the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital on Wednesday night after they consumed the fruit found commonly in the state,” he said.
“One of the athletes, Aparna, died early yesterday, while the other three are in intensive care,” Kumar added.
A relative of Aparna said the four were under severe stress owing to mental and physical pressure put on them by the SAI authorities.
“A few days ago Aparna was struck on her back while using an oar. The SAI hostel does not have proper safety measures,” the relative told the media.
Police are waiting for Aparna’s autopsy report.
Sonowal also expressed his condolences and assured help to the bereaved family.
“I am deeply aggrieved by the incident that has happened in Kerala. I convey my condolences to the bereaved family. We will provide all possible help to the bereaved family,” Sonowal said