Over 500 students gathered to protest at the the Madras Christian College in Chennai after Mahima, a first-year student of the college, died during a mandatory physical activity that was allegedly forced upon her. The incident took place on Monday afternoon when Mahima was forced to take part in the mandatory sports activity despite her request to take rest on account of low blood pressure and anaemia. Protesting students told that Mahima was on her period and did not want to take part in the activity.
The protests started soon after Mahima’s death at a private hospital in Tambaram and gathered steam on Tuesday at the campus. While no action has been taken against the staff, shockingly, the ‘Sports for All’ event scheduled to be held on Wednesday has not been cancelled.
According to the students, the Principal has refused to speak to the protesting students, terming them a ‘mob’. He has asked the students to select 5-6 student representatives he can speak to.
According to the students of the college, Mahima, a student from the Chemistry Department, was reportedly on her period when the physical education teacher denied her request to rest. Mahima complained of low blood pressure, anaemia and being on her period.
But the complaints went unheard.