State-level footballer serious after suicide attempt

 A promising State-level footballer, who attempted suicide here on Friday, is battling for life in ICU at a private hospital.

A Ravindran, alias Velu (30) who is a footballer with CQAL-CIE, which is affiliated to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) consumed a bottle of pesticide. However, he was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Seshadripuram, by his brother Rajendran.

In a note Velu had blamed Shyam Sai, coach of the CQAL team for his suicide attempt. “My brother is a very talented football player, with a potential to play for the country. The coach had been assuring Velu for the last 15 years that he would be included in the squad.   However, the promise was unkept. So, he took this extreme step,” said Rajendran.

Velu had even received an appointment letter  from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). But Shyam Sai had persuaded him not to accept the offer and promised him a permanent employment in CIE (Controllerate of Inspection Electronics), alleged Rajendran. Velu has played for the State for eight years.

The family now hopes for Velu to recover soon and seek that the justice be delivered.
Srirampura police have registered an FIR.