TIRUNELVELI: A TVK functionary of Chettikulam village, who attempted suicide on May 9 demanding that his party president C Joseph Vijay be made Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, died in Kanniyakumari Government Medical College Hospital on Tuesday morning after not responding to treatment.
He remained critical since the attempt with over 90% of burn injuries.
The deceased, V Esakkiappan (43), was a hardcore fan of Vijay and became the branch secretary of his village when the actor floated his party. Four months ago, Esakkiappan performed Vel Kuthuthal (piercing with a sacred spear on cheeks) for Tiruchendur Murugan praying for his leader to become Chief Minister.
According to the villagers, on Saturday, he was upset because his leader was facing hurdles in securing a majority to form the government. The police said that in an inebriated state, he attempted suicide demanding that his leader be made Chief Minister. “When we inquired with him, he was so drunk that he could not realise what was happening,” a police official said.
Soon after the incident, Esakkiappan’s relatives admitted him to the hospital where he remained critical in the Intensive Care Unit. He died on Tuesday morning. Tirunelveli district police confirmed his death in a communication to the media persons. Sources said the deceased had been living with his mother after his wife and children separated from him due to his drinking habit.
(Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on the Tamil Nadu health department’s helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.)
