A 32-year-old woman’s suicide bid by setting herself on fire on Saturday, has left four of her family members battling for lives at the Government Vellore Medical College Hospital in Adugambarai in Vellore. A five-year-old boy succumbed to burns on Sunday.
According to police, Subbulakshmi (33) of Alangayam town often quarrelled with her drunkard husband Venkatesan (38), for spending most of his earnings on alcohol and not taking care of their two sons -- Gokul (13) and Kamesh (10).
On Saturday night, when Venkatesan came home in an inebriated condition, Subbulakshmi quarrelled with him. In a fit of rage, she poured kerosene and set herself ablaze. Venkatesan tried to save her, but his attempt took a turn for the worse as he also caught fire and fell on his sister’s son Hari (5), and his two sons, who were asleep in the house, said police. The incident took place around 10.30 pm. Neighbours alerted police and a 108 ambulance service.
Venkatesan, his wife, sons and his sister’s son, who sustained burns were shifted to the Government Hospital in Vaniyambadi and were later referred to the Government Vellore Medical College Hospital at Adugambarai.
Hari died on Sunday morning, while four others were battling for their lives, said the police.
Police said Hari had come to Venkatesan’s house with his mother a few days ago to attend a temple festival. He stayed back at Venkatesan’s house and his mother was to take him home on Sunday.
The Alangayam police registered a case and are investigating.