Pt Birju Maharaj asks for 'speedy, fair probe'

Noida: Demanding a 'speedy and fair' probe into the alleged suicide of a Class IX girl in Noida, Padma Vibhushan awardee and renowned Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj held a press conference at his residence in Shahjahan Road in New Delhi on Friday.

Addressing reporters along with family members of the deceased girl, Pt Maharaj insisted the police to punish whosoever is behind the death of the young kid. He also demanded a CBI probe into the case.

"It is very unfortunate that such a fine classical dancer had to take such an extreme step. She was a very fun loving and hard working child. I insist police to provide justice to her and her family. If police will not take necessary actions against the culprits, I will go and meet the Prime Minister in order to provide them justice," said Maharaj.

He further blamed the parents for taking her first complaint of mental and sexual harassment lightly and not taking immediate action against the teachers.

"The parents are also at fault as they should have taken action after knowing about the mental and sexual harassment. If they had done the same, then maybe the girl would have been alive today. The school management must also cooperate in this investigation so that the truth behind the suicide can be revealed," added Maharaj.

Meanwhile, the girl's parents claimed that they have received life threats from the school.

"We have spoken about the same to SSP of Gautam Budh Nagar. We have demanded police protection and will not leave this fight," said the father of the deceased girl, who is a classical dance teacher and a student of Pt Maharaj.

On Friday morning, the family went to Gadhmukteshwar to complete the final rites of their deceased daughter.

Meanwhile, Noida police said they have not got any concrete evidence and are still investigating the matter.

On Tuesday evening, the girl was found hanging in her house in Sector-52 of Noida, after she was allegedly mentally and sexually harassment by two teachers at Ahlcon Public School in Delhi's Mayur Vihar.