Coimbatore: An auto-rickshaw driver from Irugur attempted to self-immolate by pouring kerosene over himself outside the Coimbatore collectorate on Friday morning, triggering a brief commotion on the premises.The man, identified as Periyasamy, from Dharmapuri, has been residing in Sulur. He arrived near the entrance of the collectorate carrying a bottle of kerosene and attempted to set himself on fire. Police personnel deployed for security at the collectorate immediately intervened and prevented a mishap. No injuries were reported in the incident.When questioned, Periyasamy initially alleged that he had been assaulted and harassed by a panchayat president and a few others. He also claimed that he had approached the Human Rights Commission seeking action but was dissatisfied with their response.Police subsequently took him to the Race Course police station for further inquiry. “When questioned at the station, he confessed that there was no truth in the allegations he made at the collectorate. However, he said he had accumulated huge debts and was facing a financial crisis, because of which he was severely depressed, and decided to attempt suicide,” said a police officer.Police sent him off with his family after the investigation.
