Chennai: Woman sets self ablaze near police station post quarrel with neighbour

Chennai: A woman allegedly committed self immolation in front of the Thiruverkadu police station on Tuesday noon, following a quarrel with her neighbour. Police identified the victim as G. Revathi (30), resident of Kasthuribai Nagar in Thiruverkadu.

According to police, Revathi had constant problems with neighbour Amirthavalli. The two families lived in a rented house in the same compound and had frequent verbal fights over cleaning the drainage and dumping of wastes. Amirthavalli accused Revathi and her family for picking up quarrels always.

“Both had approached the police frequently with their oral complaints, but on Monday, Amirthavalli lodged a written complaint demanding action against Revathi for abusing and disturbing her family’s peace,” said an investigation officer.

On Tuesday morning, police called them for talks. While Revathi reached the police station, Amirthavalli did not, and the police officer postponed the meeting to 3 pm and asked Revathi to go home for lunch.

Revathi left the police station, but returned in an hour with a bottle of petrol and set herself afire in front of the Thiruverkadu police station.

Police personnel there put off the fire and sent her to the Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, where she was declared to be critical, having sustained 82 percent burns.

Thiruverkadu police have registered a case and are investigating.