A couple, who were allegedly harassed by a moneylender and police, today set themselves and their two children on fire at the collectorate complex here and all the four were stated to be in "very critical" condition.
Soon after the shocking incident, the authorities announced setting up of a separate centre to help those affected by usury and formed a special team to probe the allegations levelled by the victim Isakki Muthu (32).
Muthu, his wife and their children aged two and five years were admitted to a hospital with severe burns, officials said, adding the couple were protesting alleged inaction on their complaint against a money lender.
Muthu had borrowed Rs 1.40 lakh to start a business, his brother claimed, adding that he had already repaid the lender a sum of Rs 2.34 lakh, including interest.
The lender was, however, harassing Muthu for more money, his brother alleged.
This forced Muthu to approach the police, which refused to accept a complaint and even threatened him, he alleged.
Subsequently, the victim lodged a complaint with the district collector, who directed the police to initiate action against the lender under the Prohibition of Charging Exorbitant Interest Act.
Muthu's brother alleged that despite repeated reminders from the collector's office, the police did nothing and in fact harassed the family even more.
Unable to put up with this, Muthu, along with his wife and children, came to the collector's office to air his grievances. The couple then poured kerosene and set themselves and their kids ablaze.
Doctors at the government hospital stated the condition of all four to be "very critical".
The victim's brother demanded stern action against the officials concerned and the money lender.
District Collector Sandeep Nanduri, who visited the family at the hospital, said the four had sustained more than 70 per cent burns.
The official said he had asked doctors to provide them the best treatment.
A special team, comprising officials from police and revenue department, would be formed and a centre set up to help those affected by usury.
A special team had also been formed to investigate those who had threatened Muthu and severe action would be taken against money lenders, he said.
He asked people not to fall into the trap of money lenders, adding, action would be taken by officials to end the usury menace in the district.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)