Depressed man immolates self with 10-yr son in tight embrace

Police said he had separated from his wife eight years ago and was dejected living alone. Before ending his life, he also left an envelope addressed to his wife, with a neighbour, containing Rs 3,000 to manage the funeral expenses.

The deceased Paari alias Parimalam of Balaji Nagar in Adambakkam was a civil engineer and his son Bala Murugan (10) a Class 5 student in a private school. Police said his wife Rajabalambika (42) is also a civil engineer, working in a private firm in Saidapet. The couple separated eight years ago due to some misunderstanding.

Rajabalambika was staying in Adambakkam along with Bala Murugan. Police said Paari would visit her house and pick Bala Murugan to his house during the holidays.

On Monday morning Paari took Bala Murugan to his house. In the afternoon, the neighbours noticed smoke coming out from the second floor of the house where Paari was staying. They found the door locked from inside and informed Adambakkam police and Guindy Fire and Rescue personnel who broke open the door and doused the fire.

Police said the father and son were found lying dead inside the house, hugging each other. The police took both the bodies for post-mortem to the Chromepet government hospital.

During the inquiry, police found Paari had given an envelope to the house owner’s son to be left with his wife who would visit the house in the evening. The police checked the envelope and found Rs 3,000 and a letter saying the money could be used for the funeral. Police said Paari was dejected after he got separated and took this extreme step. The police have registered a case.