A 24-year-old man, in an inebriated condition, doused kerosene on himself and his two children and set all on fire at Gangavalli in the early hours of Monday.
While two-and-half-year-old son Siva succumbed to burns, Anburaj and his five-year-old daughter Aarthi suffered more than 80 per cent burns and were battling for life at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital.
The police said that Anburaj, working in a saloon, was married to Revathi (20) for six years.
On Sunday, at 10 p.m. Anburaj came home in an inebriated condition and picked a quarrel with Revathi. After pushing her outside the house, he slept inside the house with the two children. At 1 a.m., Revathi, who was sleeping outside, found flames emanating from inside the house and alerted the neighbours. The three were rescued and rushed to hospital.
While Siva died on the way to hospital, Anburaj and Aarthi were admitted for burns. Their condition was said to be critical. Inquiries revealed that Anburaj had attempted suicide along with his children. Gangavalli police registered a case.
People in need of counselling can contact the State Health Department’s round-the- clock helpline – 104. Also, they can contact Chennai-based Sneha suicide prevention centre at 044-24640050.
