Man immolates self in full public view, succumbs to burns

Hyderabad : Upset over health issues, a 45-year-old man allegedly immolated himself in full public view on the main road outside his home in Jeedimetla in the city on Tuesday. Ganta Murali Naidu suffered severe burns and was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

According to police, Murali along with his wife Ramadevi and their teenage daughter are residing at Shapur Nagar under the police limits of Jeedimetla. Murali who has worked for more than a decade in a restaurant, suffered a paralytic stroke a year ago, due to which he became immobile. Since then he was confined to home.

During his stay at home, he became addicted to alcohol. Meanwhile, his wife Ramadevi got a job as a daily labourer and has been working for the past year to support the family and her daughter’s education.

Inquiries revealed that Murali had frequent arguments with his wife over money for alcohol. On Monday night, he suddenly left home and did not return.

On Tuesday noon around 12:30, he returned home. Even before his wife and daughter could see him, he emptied a can of petrol on himself and burnt himself on the main road in front of his house. Passers-by rushed to his rescue and doused the fire. He was then shifted to hospital, where he succumbed an hour later.

Police have registered a case and have begun a probe.