To Stop Demolition of House, Tamil Nadu Youth Attempts Self Immolation

Chennai: A youth set himself on fire in front of his house in Tamil Nadu’s Thiruvallur district on Thursday to stop authorities from demolishing it.

The youth named Rajkumar lived in this house along with his mother after the death of his father. According to reports, the property was given to his mother by a philanthropist who was moved by her poor condition.

Two years back a multi-storey apartment was constructed next to their house in Nethaji Nagar near Gummidipoondi in Thiruvallur. The new residents filed a complaint, alleging that the house was an encroachment and was obstructing their pathway.

Authorities revealed that the land on which the house stood was still under the philanthropist’s name and advised the parties to seek legal remedies.

Despite this, officials arrived at the youth’s residence a week ago and issued a notice to vacate the house. Although his mother requested a month’s time to comply, on Thursday, officials came with a bulldozer to demolish it.

In a desperate attempt to prevent the demolition, Rajkumar set himself on fire and ran out of the house. The Fire and Rescue Team immediately intervened and managed to rescue Rajkumar. He was admitted to Kilpauk Hospital with 60 per cent burn injuries.