Social activist's attempts suicide at Coimbatore collectorate premises

A social activist, fighting for prohibition, today attempted to commit suicide by consuming poison in the district collectorate premises here, police said.

The 30-year-old Manikandan, a resident of Neelikonampalayam in the city, arrived at the collectorate and suddenly squatted in front of the entrance, with two placards around his neck.

Manikandan said he had lodged a complaint with police about the functioning of a liquor shop at Singanallur in the city, but no action was taken.

The activist alleged he was attacked by two goondas for lodging the complaint and police failed to take action in this case also.

He was now he was being threatened with arrest and detention under the Goondas Act, Manikandan charged.

When police personnel tried to remove him from the spot, Manikandan attempted to consume some poisonous substance from a bottle he was carrying, police said.

However, they overpowered him and took him to the police station, police added.