Self-immolation bid by woman seeking action into daughter’s death

The victim, Maheswari, said her daughter Devi Ganga (19) had died on January 6, 2016. She had fallen in love with Balasubramani and married him. Maheswari had to pledge her house to give dowry (cash and jewels) for the marriage. When she became pregnant, her husband demanded more dowry but she could not afford it. 

On January 6, 2016, Balasubramani informed her that her daughter had died but however the private hospital in which she was admitted informed them that Devi was discharged alive. However, when she reached her daughter’s house, Devi was found dead. 

Even after two years, the circumstances under which Devi had died is still not known, said Maheswari. She also said that she had petitioned Tirunelveli SP 11 times and Tirunelveli Collector thrice but to no avail. Even after obtaining a direction from Tenkasi court, a murder case has not been registered, said Maheswari.

Six persons including a couple and their daughter attempted suicide by self-immolation in separate incidents at the district collector office in Salem during the grievance day meet on Monday. 

Police said Manikandan, 38, working in a petrol bunk and his wife Govindammal, 37, from Kondalampatty in Salem district had borrowed Rs 60,000 from Saravanan, who runs a chit firm in Nattarmangalam. 

He had joined in a chit scheme for Rs one lakh.  According to police, Manikandan had returned the borrowed amount of Rs 60,000 with interest. 

When the daily wager attempted to withdraw Rs one lakh from the chit fund scheme on maturity, Saravanan refused to give the money and sought Rs 2.5 lakh more as interest.  

As Saravanan issued threats, Manikandan, his wife and daughter Divya, 14, attempted suicide but the police prevented the bid and took them to the station for inquiry.  

In a similar incident, Rajasekar, Muthu and Govindaraj, all hailing from the same family in Kanjanaickenpatty near Omalur, poured kerosene over their bodies and attempted immolation in full public view, however police acted swiftly and foiled their suicide bid.