TVK man who set himself ablaze over delay in Vijay’s CM debut dies

Tirunelveli: A 47-year-old functionary of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), who attempted self-immolation on Saturday, distressed over the perceived delay in his party leader Vijay's ascent to the chief minister's post, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital on Tuesday morning.The deceased, identified as Isakkiappan, served as the TVK branch secretary for Puthumanai village. He was undergoing intensive medical care at the Kanyakumari Govt Medical College Hospital after sustaining life-threatening burn injuries.Police sources said Isakkiappan was a staunch devotee of the actor-turned-politician Vijay. His history of extreme devotion was well known in the locality; just a few months ago, he gained attention for performing a gruelling ritual where he pierced his body with a 16-foot-long ‘Vel' (spear) as a penance to ensure a victory for the TVK in the upcoming assembly election.The fatal incident occurred near the Maharajapuram junction. Police officials stated that Isakkiappan had been showing signs of mental distress recently due to the perceived slow pace of political developments of TVK. On Saturday, he suddenly doused himself in petrol and set himself ablaze. While bystanders managed to extinguish the flames and rush him to the hospital, his condition remained critical until he passed away during the early hours of Tuesday.The Pazhavoor police are investigating.