A couple allegedly committed suicide by setting themselves afire in their house at Kunnam in the district on Monday. Police gave the names of the victims as L. Duraisamy (35) and his wife D. Vijaya (30). The couple, who had been staying in a small tenement, have three daughters aged 10 years, eight years and one-and-half years.
Duraisamy had returned to Kunnam four months ago from Dubai where he had been working. Police said the couple is said to have been having frequent tiffs. Duraisamy wife apparently wanted her husband to go abroad again which is said to have led to a quarrel between them.
One of the neighbours broke open the door only to find Vijaya and Duraisamy with severe burns.
Police said kerosene was used by the couple to set themselves afire. The couple were immediately rushed to the Perambalur Government Hospital where they succumbed to severe burns a few hours later.
The Kunnam police have registered a case.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.)
