CHENNAI: A 35-year-old man and his paramour immolated themselves in Peerkankaranai area in the wee hours of Saturday.
Both were rushed to the Kilpauk government medical college and hospital (KMC) where later died.
The victims were identified as Ayyanar (35) and Krishnammal (25), resident of Kamarajar Nagar in Peerkankaranai, who hailed from Sankarankovil in Tirunelveli district.
According to police, both were married and were into an extramarital affair.
Krishnammal was a divorcee, while Ayyanar was married and had three children. Sources said, Ayyanar abandoned his family and moved to Chennai in 2017. He worked as a lorry driver in a stone quarry in Tirusulam.
Krishnammal worked as a coolie in the quarry. Both fell in love a year ago and decided to live together. Before five months, the couple moved to a rented house in Pallikaranai.
Since Ayyanar was an alcoholic, he used to abuse and assault Krishnammal every night. On Friday night, during an argument between them, Krishnammal attempted to immolate herself and doused herself in kerosene.
In an attempt to threaten Krishnammal, Ayyanar also did the same, but set himself afire.
Shocked, Krishnammal tried to douse the fire, but both were engulfed by flames.
Ayyanar fell unconscious inside the house, but Krishnammal broke open the door and ran out on Kamarajar street, screaming for help.
Locals doused the fire and rushed them to Kilpauk government medical college and hospital.
Around 9:30 am on Saturday, Krishnammal died and in another few minutes, Ayyanaar also died.
Peerkankaranai police registered a case sent the bodies for post-mortem. Investigations are on.
