A 40-year-old man died by self-immolation near a police booth in Madurai on Thursday evening, protesting the non-lighting of the sacred Karthigai Deepam atop the Thiruparankundram hill despite an order of the Madras High Court. The incident has triggered grief, shock, and sharp political reactions in the city.

According to the Madurai City Police, the deceased has been identified as Poorna Chandran, a resident of Narimedu. Chandran was working as a medical representative and also owned a mini auto, which he used to sell fruits and vegetables across different parts of the city. He is survived by his wife and two sons, aged 4 and 8.

Police said the incident took place near a police booth close to the Outpost area. Preliminary investigations revealed that Chandran had left a voicemail message explaining the reason behind his extreme step. In the message, he allegedly expressed anguish over the lamp not being lit on the Thiruparankundram hill despite the High Court’s order.

Confirming the incident, police officials stated that the man died by suicide through self-immolation, linking his action to the ongoing controversy surrounding the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam. An investigation has been initiated to look into all aspects of the case.

Police said, “Poorna Chandran died by suicide by self-immolation near a police booth close to the Outpost, alleging that the lamp was not lit atop the Thiruparankundram hill despite the Madurai High Court’s order. So we had filed for an investigation to be underway.”

The incident has brought renewed attention to the dispute over the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam on the Deepa Thoon atop Thiruparankundram hill. The Madras High Court had earlier allowed the lighting of the lamp, but the Tamil Nadu government challenged the decision, citing law and order concerns.

Following Chandran’s death, political reactions quickly emerged. BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai condemned the ruling DMK government, accusing it of having an “anti-Hindu” stance. He urged devotees to remain calm and place their faith in the judiciary. K Annamalai shared a detailed message on his official X handle, expressing condolences to the family and appealing to devotees not to take extreme steps. In his post, he said:

“A devoted follower of Bhagwan Muruga, Thiru Poorna Chandran, deeply anguished by the DMK Government’s anti-Hindu stance, particularly its refusal to allow devotees to light the sacred Karthigai Deepam on the Deepa Thoon atop the Thiruparangundram Hill, tragically ended his life today in Madurai by self-immolation. This heartbreaking news has left me profoundly saddened. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and pray that they find the strength to endure this irreparable loss. I earnestly appeal to all devotees of Bhagwan Muruga to remain calm and exercise patience. We repose complete faith in the judiciary and are confident that justice will prevail and that our rightful claims will be upheld. I also humbly urge devotees not to take such extreme steps; your life is precious, and your family depends on you.”

The BJP also accused the DMK of politicising a religious issue, linking the government’s stand to the tragic incident. At the same time, party leaders called for restraint and peace among devotees.

Meanwhile, Chandran’s family remains in deep mourning. Neighbours and locals described him as a hardworking individual who balanced his job as a medical representative with selling fruits and vegetables to support his family.

Authorities have assured that the case will be thoroughly investigated, including the contents of the voicemail left by Chandran and the circumstances leading up to the incident. Police have also appealed to the public to remain calm as legal proceedings related to the Karthigai Deepam issue continue.

The tragic death has once again highlighted the emotional and political sensitivity surrounding religious practices at Thiruparankundram hill, as well as the larger debate over governance, faith, and public order.