A 35-year-old man from Tamil Nadu set himself ablaze before the Tirunelveli district collector’s office over a property dispute with his family members. The man, identified as Sankarasubbu, sustained 70% burns and was taken to the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital by the police. Abdul Hameed, a police personnel, who tried to douse the flames sustained burns on his hand.
According to reports, Sankarasubbu had a property dispute with his family members following which he filed a complaint at the Moontradaippu Police Station. “Since the police did not act swiftly, I decided to end my life,” he reportedly told the police.
Police said that the property dispute case is before the court for trial after the ownership of the property was allegedly taken away from Sankarasubbu by a few of his family members.
The police told the media that Sankarasubbu and one of the owners of the property were arguing on Sunday. May 12, after which Sankarasubbu filed a complaint. The police had asked him and the others involved in the dispute to appear before them for an interrogation on Monday. While others came to the Police Station for the interrogation, Sankarasubbu went to the collector’s office, where he set himself on fire.
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 6500022
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.