Overview
- The victim was identified by Madurai City Police as Poorna Chandran, 40, a Narimedu resident who worked as a medical representative and operated a mini auto.
- Police said he poured diesel on himself and set himself on fire near a police assistance booth by the Periyar statue area, with no personnel inside at the time.
- A case has been registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and officers said inquiries are underway into the circumstances of the death.
- A WhatsApp audio message purportedly linked to the deceased circulated on social media, but authorities have not confirmed its authenticity.
- The incident drew political reactions, with BJP leader K Annamalai blaming the DMK government over restrictions related to lighting the Karthigai Deepam atop Thiruparankundram hill, a matter tied to a Madras High Court order the state challenged citing law-and-order concerns.