A Tamil Nadu man set himself on fire before the RK Nagar police station on Monday, January 20, after the police allegedly refused to accept a complaint against his colleague. The man suffered 90% burns and stopped responding to treatment at Kilpauk Medical College (KMC) hospital in Chennai on Tuesday.
According to reports, Rajan G had argued with his colleague Madhavan at their workplace- a steel workshop. After work, the duo had run into each other at a TASMAC shop where they began to argue once again. At the TASMAC, Rajan was reportedly attacked by his colleague Madhavan and Madhavan’s friend Arunkumar.
Rajan, reportedly inebriated, had approached the RK Nagar police station to file a complaint against Madhavan and Arunkumar after the quarrel. However, the police reportedly refused to accept his complaint and asked him to file a written complaint when sober. Rajan had then set himself on fire before the RK Nagar police station.
Rajan was admitted to KMC where the RK Nagar police recorded his complaint. The two men were arrested by the RK Nagar police. Rajan stopped responding to treatment on January 21.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.