TIRUNELVELI: A 47-year-old functionary of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) attempted self-immolation near Settikulam in Tirunelveli district on Saturday, reportedly distressed over the delay in his party leader Vijay’s ascent to the chief minister’s post.The victim, identified as Isakkiappan, serves as the TVK branch secretary for Puthumanai village.According to the sources, a staunch devotee of TVK chief Vijay, four months back Isakkiappan gained local attention by performing a ritual, piercing his body with a 16-foot-long ‘Vel’ (spear) as a penance to ensure Vijay’s victory in the upcoming elections.Police officials stated that Isakkiappan had been showing signs of mental distress recently due to the perceived slow pace of political developments of TVK.He suddenly doused himself in kerosene and set himself ablaze.Bystanders rushed to his rescue and extinguished the flames. He was initially taken to a local hospital but was later shifted to the Kanyakumari Government Medical College Hospital for further treatment and receiving intensive medical care.Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.
