R. Saravana Suresh, 50, a businessman from Virudhunagar and a relative of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko, who immolated himself on Friday morning, succumbed to the burn injuries at a private hospital here on Saturday.
The victim, the son of Mr. Vaiko’s brother-in-law Ramanujam, who incurred more than 90% burn injuries in the incident, was reportedly disappointed over the delay by the Union government in constituting the Cauvery Management Board.
He is survived by his wife Renuka Devi, son and daughter. His funeral, to be attended by Mr. Vaiko, will happen at Perumalpatti near Kovilpatti in Thoothukudi district on Saturday evening.
Suresh, who left his home under the pretext of going for a morning walk, immolated himself on the Madurai-Tirunelveli national highway near Soolakkarai after dousing himself with fuel. He was rushed to the hospital with the help of bystanders and police personnel.
Mr. Vaiko, who remained at the hospital on Friday, told the media that Suresh was also dejected with unfair allegations levelled against him, particularly in social media, by cadre of a fringe political party questioning his integrity on Sterlite issue.
An emotional Mr. Vaiko also made a fervent plea to his cadre and followers not to end their lives no matter what the issues are and intead live and struggle for the issue.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)
