An autorickshaw driver from Parayadi near Tirunelveli town, who set himself on fire on Sunday (June 28) after police allegedly refused to allow his vehicle on Thatchanallur-Town road near Gurunathan temple junction during the Swami Nellaiyappar temple car festival, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.The deceased was identified as S. Velmurugan, who belongs to a SC community.In a video statement, his wife V. Mariyammal said that police personnel deployed at the spot verbally abused Velmurugan by referring to his caste and damaged his mobile phone. She claimed that Velmurugan had called her shortly before the incident, informing her that police had seized the keys of the autorickshaw.However sources from Tirunelveli city police stated that Velmurugan was under the influence of alcohol, and attempted to enter a route that had been closed to autorickshaws and cars, due to the temple festival. Only pedestrians and two-wheelers were permitted.The sources alleged that Velmurugan had created ruckus over refusal and used abusive language against the women police personnel at the spot.Following that, Thatchanallur police were alerted and they even tried to take him to the police vehicle, but he resisted. Police said after leaving the area, Velmurugan returned with a bottle of petrol and set himself ablaze. Personnel on duty used water from the patrol vehicle and doused the flames and rushed him to Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital, where later he succumbed to his injuries.Police sources denied the allegation that case based remarks were made against Velmurugan.Two cases have been registered at Thatchanallur police station, one against Velmurugan for obstructing public servants to perform their duty and abusing women police personnel, and another based on the complaint lodged by his wife Mariyammal.Further investigations are under way.(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050 and Speak2Us helpline at 9375493754) Published - July 01, 2026 09:03 pm IST