A retired army driver allegedly attempted suicide in Palayampatti village near here on Sunday, apparently after his wife walked out on him, police said.
Panasuraj (43), a resident of Ragavendra Nagar in Palayampatti, now a driver at Aruppukottai, was reportedly depressed after his wife Subbulakshmi ditched him following frequent quarrels and went to her father’s house.
On Saturday evening, Panasuraj allegedly had alcohol, returned home and tried to shoot himself with a double-barrel gun. He aimed the barrel at his throat and placed his foot on the trigger and pulled it.
The gun fired but the bullet did not hit him, instead it hit the ceiling. Hearing the sound, neighbours informed the police, but before they could come, Panasuraj had left the house.
The Aruppukottai Town police registered a case and were on the lookout for Panasuraj.
On Sunday morning, police arrested him. During investigation, it was found out that the gun’s licence had expired.