Joseph Raj (52), an unskilled worker of the Tiruchirapalli City Corporation, sustained burns after attempting to commit self immolation at his house at Sangiliandapuram on Friday.
Sources said he took the step by pouring himself with kerosene and set fire. Neighbours rushed to his aid and doused the flame. He had been admitted to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital with about 55 per cent burns.
He is said to have given a statement to the police claiming that he was forced to take the step because of harassment by senior officials.
Corporation sources said he did not report for duty since February. He had come to the Ariyamangalam zone office about four days ago and presented a memorandum, seeking permission for rejoining duty. Joseph Raj was apparently questioned by the officials for irregular attendance. He was in the habit of taking long breaks from duty frequently, the sources said.
The State helpline can be contacted at 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline at 044-24640050.
