MDMK man succumbs to burns in Madurai hospital

Vaiko who rushed the hospital cutting short his rally towards Cumbum broke down on seeing Ravi. 

The functionary poured petrol when the public meeting was going on in Palanganatham in Madurai on Saturday and after the fire was doused he was rushed to a private hospital in Madurai. 

Ravi sustained more than 90 per cent burn injuries and was fighting for life. However, on Monday morning, around 4:30 am, he succumbed to the injuries. Following his death, the body was taken to Madurai GRH for postmortem.

Vaiko who was in Usilampatti for his rally against INO rushed to the Madurai GRH. He was emotionally moved on seeing Ravi’s body. After placing a garland on the body he accompanied it to Sivakasi in the same mortuary van. He was seen sitting near the body during the whole of journey. Earlier, while addressing the media, Vaiko said that Ravi was part of MDMK for 24 years and had a deep love on him and the party. 

He also said that Ravi was determined to end his life and so did not give opportunity for the MDMK cadres to douse the fire at the public meeting. However, the MDMK cadres doused the fire by pouring water and wrapping a wet jute sack over him. Even he refused to get into the ambulance, he agreed only after MDMK supporters pleaded with him. 

“When I met him in the hospital and asked about his attempt, Ravi said he was struggling throughout his life for the people of Tamil Nadu and his suicide will give more impetus to the struggle against the INO,” Vaiko said. 

Even when the judge came to obtain his statement, Ravi was clear that his sacrifice is for his leader Vaiko and self-immolated on his own, added Vaiko.