Indian who attempted self-immol​ation dies in hospital

[ Tuesday, 18 September 2012, 04:09.31 PM GMT +05:30 ]

The Indian man who tried to attempt self-immolation in Salem protesting the proposed visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse to India died today, police said.

26-year-old Vijayaraj, an auto driver, died at the Mohan Kumaramangalam Government Hospital, where he was admitted yesterday with 95 per cent burns after he set himself afire dousing petrol. Police said a diary, written in Tamil, was recovered from him, in which he stated that if Rajapakse visited Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh this week to lay the foundation stone for an International Buddhist University, it would be shameful to Indians, especially Tamil people. He had also written that Katchatheevu islet, which was ceded to Sri Lanka by India through an agreement in 1974, should be retrieved from the island nation. Heavy police picketing was posted in premises of the hospital and district collectorate, police said. Several parties, including MDMK led by Vaiko, have opposed the visit of Rajapakse. Vaiko has announced that he would lead a blackflag demonstration in Sanchi against the visit of Rajapakse. It was also reported today that Madhya Pradesh police have decided to provide the strongest-ever security cover to the guest during the foundation laying ceremony of Buddhist University at Sanchi on September 20. A three-member team of MDMK is already camping in the State capital for the past three days and chalking out a strategy to stage protest demonstrations. Sources claimed these members were attempting to garner support from locals.