Kuppusamy, an elderly man from Kaniyambalayam, attempted suicide at the Coimbatore District Collector's office amidst a property dispute. Police intervened timely to prevent the act.
Coimbatore: Tension rose at the Coimbatore District Collector's office when 72-year-old Kuppusamy from Kaniyambalayam in Kinathukadavu Taluk attempted suicide using kerosene. The distressed elderly man arrived at the office to submit a petition against his son and son-in-law, accusing them of seizing his property with the help of a local DMK leader, Alagappan.
Kuppusamy, who owns about 32 acres of land, alleges that his son Krishnaraj and son-in-law, influenced by Alagappan, have expropriated most of his holdings and threatened him with death. Following his wife's death in 2019, disputes over land escalated, leading to today's drastic action.
While he was pouring kerosene over himself in the attempt, security personnel and policemen at the office quickly intervened, pouring water over him to prevent him from igniting the kerosene. Amid shouts accusing DMK leader Alagappan of forcing him to this point, police were able to pacify him and later escorted him to the Race Course Police Station for further assistance.
However, the exact details of the property in question remain under dispute. Kuppusamy claims that while some land is registered under his son Krishna’s name, he has been cultivating the remaining acres and accuses his relatives of barring him from accessing his land.
This incident highlights the disturbing trend of land disputes leading to extreme measures and reflects ongoing issues within family-owned landholdings in rural areas around Coimbatore. Further investigations are expected as local authorities delve deeper into the family’s allegations and land titles.
