Namakkal: In a shocking development, am elderly man attempted self-immolation right in front of an AIADMK functionary near Namakkal, dismayed by the latter allegedly cheating him to the tune of Rs 11 lakh in a cash-for-job deal that went awry. Police said 55-year-old Thanjaraj, running a bicycle service shop at the premises of one Kalyani, an AIADMK functionary in Pallipalayam, tried to find a job for his nephew Siddharthan, by approaching Kalyani who boasted of his proximity to a state minister.
Buying Kalyani's promise to use his 'good offices' to get Siddharthan a government job, Thangaraj reportedly paid the former up to Rs 11 lakh some six months ago. Meanwhile, a few days ago, Kalyani gave an appointment letter for Siddharthan to join in a government post, but Thangaraj was shocked to know it was a fake order. Deeply disturbed and angered by Kalayani's attitude, he engaged in an argument with the latter and demanded that the money be returned.
While Kalyani assured to return the cash on Saturday, Thangaraj went to his house but was again shocked at his flat refusal to pay back the money. After another heated argument, Thangaraj brought some kerosene from his shop, doused himself with it and set fire to himself right there. Neighbours rushed to the spot, rescued the elderly man and admitted him to the Erode government hospital with severe burn injuries.
Pallipalayam police registered a case and have begun investigations. Kalyani has allegedly cheated many persons in the region in this fashion with false promises to get a government job. Police have launched a search to nab Kalyani, who meanwhile has absconded.
