Chennai: An 18-year-old boy died in Gummidipoondi on Wednesday morning when he tried to save his mother, who set herself on fire on Tuesday night. His mother, Noori, 50, is undergoing treatment in hospital for severe burn injuries on her hands and legs.Noori, a resident of Gururaja Kandigai near Kavarapettai, faced financial hardship and appeared distressed for several months after incurring losses in a chit fund scheme. She told neighbours that she borrowed money from multiple sources to offset the loss but was unable to repay the debts.On Tuesday night, when she was at home with her son Amanullah, 18, a student at a religious school near Avadi, she attempted to take her own life by pouring kerosene over herself and setting herself ablaze. Amanullah rushed to stop his mother, but the kerosene spilled on him too, leaving both of them with severe burns. Neighbours sent them to Government Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital.Amanullah, who suffered 80% burns succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning. Noori is undergoing treatment with 60% burns. The Kavarapettai police registered a case and launched a detailed investigation into the incident. They suspect Noori poured kerosene on her son and set him ablaze, as she gave them contradictory statements. (Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on TN’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.)
