Vaiko’s relative succumbs to burns

R. Saravana Suresh, 50, a businessman from Virudhunagar and a relative of MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who immolated himself on Friday morning, succumbed to burn injuries at a private hospital here on Saturday.

The victim, the son of Mr. Vaiko’s brother-in-law Ramanujam, who suffered more than 90% burn injuries in the incident, was reportedly disappointed over the delay by the Union government in constituting the Cauvery Management Board. He is survived by his wife Renuka Devi, a son and a daughter.

‘Unfair allegations’

Suresh, who left his home on the pretext of going for a morning walk, immolated himself on the Madurai-Tirunelveli national highway near Soolakkarai after dousing himself with fuel. He was rushed to the hospital with the help of bystanders and police personnel.

Mr. Vaiko, who remained at the hospital on Friday, told the media that Suresh was also dejected with the unfair allegations levelled against him, particularly in social media, by cadre of a fringe political party questioning his integrity on the Sterlite issue.

An emotional Vaiko also made a fervent plea to his cadre and followers not to end their lives no matter what the issues are and instead struggle for the issue.

Suresh’s body was taken from the private hospital to the mortuary at the Government Rajaji Hospital for post-mortem. Mr. Vaiko received the body after post-mortem, paid his respects, and accompanied the body in the ambulance to Perumalpatti near Kovilpatti in Thoothukudi district, where the funeral is planned on Saturday evening.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)