Couple duped of Rs 12 lakh attempts self-immolation at Kovai Collectorate

According to the police, Jayakumar (47) and his wife Suguna (39), both residents of Ukkadam, had come to the Collectorate to submit a petition during the grievance day meet. “Suddenly, the couple took out a can of petrol from a bag and poured it on themselves. They tried to self-immolate by lighting a matchstick. However, the police personnel present on the campus foiled their attempt and rescued them,” police said.

Enquiries revealed that the couple had given up to Rs 13 lakh to one Thirumalai to get a residence in the housing board. “Believing the conman’s words, the couple had given Rs 70,000 to him and also handed over another Rs 12 lakh which had collected from 15 persons,” police said.

However, Thirumalai failed to provide them with houses as promised. On suspicion, when the couple checked with the TNHB office and they found out that there was no employee named Thirumalai. On being pestered by the couple for their money, Thirumalai began to threaten them and thereafter he had also switched off his mobile phone. The aggrieved couple claimed that those who gave money to them started asking it back.

Left with no other option, the couple decided to commit suicide by committing self-immolation at the Collector’s office. Thereafter, the couple was taken to Race Course police station for further inquiry.