By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The assembly on Friday witnessed a serious discussion over senior Congress leader P T Thomas’ private bill to prevent black magic and superstitious practices. Thomas expressed hope that the discussion would pave the way for a serious intervention by the House to prevent social evils. Thomas recalled several incidents in the state when people lost their lives due to superstitious practices. He also recollected the incident in which a sorcerer’s disciple killed his master, wife and daughter in Idukki. K Babu spoke about the superstitious practices among professionals, including scientists. He said even space scientists perform religious rituals ahead of new missions. Thomas said the state had the responsibility to develop scientific temper and rational thinking among the people. Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan chipped in at the end asking the government to think about bringing in a legislation to end black magic and other superstitious practices. Intense probe sought into death of IIT student The State Police Chief Loknath Behera has asked the Tamil Nadu police chief to conduct an investigation into the death of Fathima Latheef, an IIT Madras student, said Minister G Sudhakaran, on behalf of the chief minister, in a reply to a submission by M Naushad. The SPC submitted a letter to the TN DGP in this regard on November 14. Tamil Nadu authorities said the probe is being conducted by the Central Crime Branch, said the minister.

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