In what has been termed as the ‘most shocking and tragic incident in SAI’s history’, four students training at the Sports Authority of India’s Water Sports Centre in Kerala attempted suicide late on Wednesday. One of them is dead.

The four girls, the eldest of whom was just 15, are believed to have consumed a poisonous fruit called ‘Othalanga’ at 3pm yesterday inside the SAI women’s hostel. They were rushed to a hospital around 7pm after they fainted.

Reports are now emerging that the girls consumed the fruit as part of an apparent suicide pact following alleged harassment by seniors.

SAI’s Director General Injeti Srinivas been deployed to Kerala immediately by the Sports Minister. He spoke to the media earlier today, saying, “It is the most shocking and tragic incident in the history of SAI, as far as I can remember. The matter came to my notice late last night and since then the whole effort has been to get the best possible treatment for the athletes.”

He also added, “what I also understand is that a joint suicide note was left by the four athletes, which is also in possession of the investigating authorities”.

“The police are investigating the matter, the sub divisional manager has recorded the deposition of one of the trainees who is able to speak. The girl who succumbed to the substance also gave a dying declaration.”

- Injeti Srinivas, DG SAI

Relatives of the athletes however have since spoken out, alleging that some seniors were physically and mentally torturing the girls.

The Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal too released a statement soon after saying, “I am deeply aggrieved by the incident that has happened in Kerala. The young girl who has died was a very promising sportsperson. It is a big loss to the country in general and Sports Authority of India and sports fraternity in particular. We will give all possible help to the bereaved family.”