DMK on Monday demanded a judicial probe by a sitting High Court Judge into the alleged suicide of three students of a private institution in Villupuram district.

Party President M Karunanidhi said there were attempts of 'cover-up' in the death of Saranya, Monisha and Priyanka who had allegedly committed suicide by jumping into a farm-well after tying themselves with dupatta on Saturday.

"However, their parents and others are denying this (suicide) and it is being said that the college was charging exorbitant fee amount and harassing the students," he said in a statement.

He said that a proper probe should be done to ascertain whether their death was caused by suicide or murder and that "even if it was suicide, the reason behind it should be clarified." 

"The state government should hold a judicial probe by a sitting Judge of the High Court and reveal the facts to the world," he said while pointing out at such a demand being made by political parties and other organisations.

Their families should be adequately compensated by the college administration as well as the government, he said.

The death of the students of the private college at Chinna Salem had sent shock waves across the state.