Chennai: Man sets himself on fire outside DSP office

Chennai: A 38-year-old who allegedly suffered about 82 per cent burns after he set himself on fire outside the DSP( Deputy Superintendent of Police) office, Mamallapuram on Tuesday morning succumbed to injuries on Tuesday night.

 The deceased has been identified as Nellaiappan(38) of Thirunelveli lives in a  rented house in Thiruporur and runs a private bar in the locality. Police said on Tuesday at around 11 am, he came to the Mamallapuram DSP office with a bottle of kerosene and self-immolated herself in front of the station.

  The police personnel put out the fire and sent him to the Chengalpatt government  hospital where he was declared to be in a dangerous condition with 82 per cent burns. He was later referred to the Kilpauk medical college hospital, where he passed away on Tuesday night. He is survived by wife and two children.

 Local shopkeepers claimed that they spotted the man near the office. They said he was carrying a bag and kept walking around. A few minutes later, he set himself on fire.

 Preliminary inquiry revealed that the victim had been wokring in a bar in Thiruporur for some years and an AIADMK functionary Ananthan who is the owner of the bar let him rent the place with an agreement stating the victim should pay Rs 4,000 daily. However, a few months ago, he increased the rental amount to Rs 16,000. His family told the police that he was upset.  His family also mentioned two police officers attached to Mamallapuram station also allegedly took bribe from him.  

 However, the police claimed that he had not approached them with a complaint. An inquiry has been initiated to find out whether he was turned away by the police. Footages from CCTV cameras at the DSP office are being scanned to establish the sequence of events, said the officials.

 The Mamallapuram police registered a case under 306 and investigations are on. Speaking to DC, Kancheepuram Superintendent of Police Santhosh Hadimani said “An intensified investigation was initiated into the matter. We have secured the WhatsApp, Facebook and call recording evidence from the victim,” he said. We are registering a case against all named persons in the dying declaration that has been taken by the  Kancheepuram magistrate and severe action will be taken on the people responsible for his death. “