Date:21/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/21/stories/2006092116940500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Woman sets self, children ablaze

Staff Reporter

TAMBARAM : A 21-year-old woman and her two children were burned to death when the woman set herself ablaze at her house in Tirusulam on Wednesday.

Kamakshi was declared dead on arrival at the burns ward of the Kilpauk Medical College, while her children died instantly. Police said Kamakshi poured kerosene and set herself ablaze after locking herself and her two children inside her small house on Bajanai Koil Street, Indira Nagar.

The flames burned to death her children, two-year-old Sivaranjani, and nine-month-old Siva Anand, both of whom died on the spot. By the time neighbours put out the flames and firemen and police arrived, Kamakshi had suffered severe burn injuries. Police said the victim resorted to the extreme step following a misunder-standing with her relatives.

She had married a green grocer three years ago who was running a shop in the same area. Further investigations are on.

Suicide

Elsewhere, Selaiyur police are investigating the death of Meyyanathan, 30, who reportedly committed suicide after consuming an alcoholic drink mixed with poison.

The man was reportedly unable to repay his mounting debts and went to a forest area in Gowrivakkam near Tambaram where he consumed the poisonous drink.