Self immolation bids foiled at Salem, Karur collectorates

According to police, Palanisamy (36), a farmer, his wife Tamil Selvi (30) and their two children, aged 13 and 11 respectively, came to the collectorate to attend the grievance day meet.

Palanisamy suddenly took out a can of kerosene and poured it on himself and his family members. Acting swiftly, the police personnel who were posted on the premises seized the can of kerosene and poured water on the family members. They were then taken to the Salem Town police station.

During inquiries, Palanisamy revealed that a part of his farm land at Vedikaranpudur was grabbed by three persons. On his complaint, the Mallur police merely issued a warning and asked the trio to return the land in their illegal possession. However, the trio continued to hold onto the property and issued threats to Palanisamy and his family. Upset over this, Palanisamy attempted suicide with his family demanding action against the culprits.

A 35-year-old owner of an eatery attempted suicide at the Karur collectorate, alleging torture by his money lender from who he had received money on an exorbitant interest.

Sources said Arivanandan was running an eatery in Gandhigramam at a building owned by one Subramani, who is also a money lender. A few years back, Arivanandan borrowed Rs 4 lakh from Subramani on an exorbitant rate of interest to run the eatery.

Since Arivanandan could not pay the interest, Subramani locked the eatery. Upset over this, Arivanandan lodged a complaint with the Pasupathipalayam police who allegedly failed to take appropriate action.

On Monday around 1 pm, Arivanandan who came to the Collectorate poured petrol over his body and attempted to light fire. However, the police personnel rescued him.