Balaiah and Lakshmi, a couple belonging to Markapuram in Prakasam district, suffered burn injuries while thwarting their 19-year-old son Prasad’s attempt to kill himself. On Thursday, Prasad threatened to immolate himself after he did not receive pocket money from his parents to celebrate his birthday.
According to the Markapuram police, the incident took place around 3 pm at SC/BC Colony in the town.
Prasad is the only son of the couple. Police said that both Balaiah and Prasad are daily wage labourers.
Speaking to TNM, Markapuram CI Sridhar Reddy said, “Prasad got into a quarrel with his mother asking for money. However, she refused saying that they don’t have any money. After a prolonged argument, Prasad bought a bottle of petrol and threatened to immolate himself. Later, his father intervened and tried snatching the bottle of petrol away from his son. During this tussle, the petrol spilled on Balaiah.”
“The duo fell down in the commotion. But since Balaiah fell close to the brick stove in their home, the petrol ignited. In the ensuing fire, he sustained injuries. His wife came to his rescue and tried dousing the fire by hugging him, and she too suffered burn injuries,” the CI added.
The neighbours soon alerted the police, and Balaiah and Lakshmi were rushed to the hospital.
Balaiah suffered injuries on his chest and legs, while Lakshmi had minor burn injuries, the CI said.
The couple are availing treatment at the Markapuram Area hospital.
“We took the statements of the couple. They said that it was an accident. No case has been registered,” the CI added.
Police are also offering counselling to Prasad. “He’s young and does not have proper education. They come from a poor family. We are providing counselling to him,” the CI said.