In Tirunelveli Collectorate premises a labor set his wife and two children ablaze beside attempting to commit suicide in a similar fashion. All the four sustained serious burns and their condition is critical. Preliminary investigation by the police revealed that usury was the reason behind the family taking the extreme decision.
Esakkimuthu a 30 years old labor had borrowed Rs. 1.45 lakh from money lender Muthulakshmi on behalf of his relative Kannammal. Though he had reportedly repaid Rs. 2.34 lakh towards the principal and interest, the latter allegedly pressurized Esakkimuthu to pay Rs. 2 lakh more to settle the outstanding.
Unable to bear with the harassment, Esakkimuthu had submitted petition during the weekly grievance redressal meet on six occasions seeking action against the usurer. However, the police reportedly asked Esakkimuthu to settle the loan immediately after forwarding the petitions to the Office of the Superintendent of Police.
Despite attempts by the police and the public to save the victims, they suffered serious burns and were rushed to the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital in police vehicles. The doctors were making all-out efforts to save Esakkimuthu and others who have ”sustained 70% burns”. Special police teams to investigate complaints pertaining to usury would be formed.
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