Stating that the district DMK deputy secretary Senthil Kumar had grabbed their family property worth Rs. 80 crore, six members of a family poured kerosene over themselves and attempted to self-immolate on the Collectorate premises during the weekly grievance redressal day meeting here on Monday.
Manjula (70), is native of Veppadai in Namakkal district and has two sons, G. Prakash (38), and G. Karthi (36). Prakash is married to Rukmani (28), and has a son Vignesh (4), while Karthi is married to Selvi (38). At 11.45 a.m. all the six came to the Collectorate. Suddenly, Prakash took out a can and poured kerosene on all the six.
Police personnel grabbed the can and caught hold of him. Water was poured on all the six. Manjula fell down and first aid was provided to her. All the six were taken to Surampatti police station in a vehicle.
Prakash told mediapersons that their ancestral property, purchased during his father Gurusamy’s time, was located on Brindha Street in Kottai area. He said that his uncle’s son Senthil Kumar was using the property and refused to give their share. Despite submitting petitions to the police, no action was taken so far, he added.
The incident took place when Collector S. Prabhakar was about to leave the premises. He directed police personnel to register case against the person who brought the kerosene can and poured it on all the members.
The police registered a case under Sections 309 (attempt to commit suicide) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of IPC and arrested Prakash and Karthi. Other four members were warned and let off.
Despite frisking by the police at the entrance, they had brought the kerosene can inside the premises that revealed the security lapse.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104 or Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)