A tragic incident of self-immolation by an auto driver inside a police booth in Madurai has sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu, bringing the long-simmering Thiruparankundram Deepam controversy back into sharp focus. The act, allegedly a protest against the failure to light the traditional Karthigai Deepam, has triggered political reactions and public demonstrations.
The Fatal Protest in the Police Booth
The incident occurred on Thursday when Poorna Chandran, a 40-year-old auto driver, allegedly entered an empty police booth in Madurai. According to police reports, the booth was unoccupied at the time. Chandran is said to have doused himself in diesel and set himself on fire. Prior to taking this extreme step, he reportedly sent a WhatsApp voice note to his friends and relatives. In the note, which subsequently went viral on social media, he stated his drastic action was a direct result of the Karthigai Deepam not being lit at the 'Deepathoon' during the recent Thiruparankundram festival. Police officials confirmed on Thursday night that they were investigating the veracity of this audio message.
Political Fallout and Demands for Compensation
The aftermath of Chandran's death quickly escalated into a public and political issue. On Friday, over 30 members of the Hindu Makkal Katchi staged a sit-in protest at the Government Rajaji Hospital mortuary. They refused to accept Chandran's body, demanding justice and highlighting the religious sentiment behind the act. The body was finally released for last rites only after his mother personally intervened.
The political sphere reacted swiftly. BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran, along with state president of Hindu Munnani, Kadeswara Subramaniam, and other party members, visited the grieving family. They handed over a cheque of Rs 10 lakh as immediate assistance. Nagenthran made strong demands from the state government, asking for a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the family and a government job for Chandran's wife. He also urged that all temples across Tamil Nadu light a 'moksha deepam' to honour Chandran's death. Former state BJP president K. Annamalai had also posted about the incident on social media platform X on Thursday, drawing further attention to the case.
A Community Gripped by Tension
This incident underscores the deep emotional and religious connections that local traditions hold in communities across India. The failure to light the Deepam, a seemingly ritualistic issue to outsiders, became a point of intense personal protest for Chandran. The event has now transformed into a larger symbol, mobilizing political parties and social groups. The state government is now under pressure to address both the immediate demands for family compensation and the underlying communal sentiments that led to this extreme tragedy. The coming days will likely see continued discourse on the balance between religious practices, administrative decisions, and the socio-political landscape of the region.
