Three detained after suicide bid at collectorate

A three-member family today attempted to commit self-immolation in the district collectorate here over alleged torture by a usurer for a loan taken by him and repaid some years ago, police said.
A 47-year old man, running an automobile spare parts shop in Karumathampatti, doused himself, his wife and 10-year old son with kerosene during the grievances day meeting, and attempted to light a match stick to set themselves afire but police overpowered and took them to a nearby police station.
The woman later claimed her husband had borrowed Rs six lakh from a person a few years ago for business expansion and returned it with interest within the stipulated time.

However, the usurer started demanding exorbitant interest and threatened dire consequences if the shop was not given to him and also lodged a police complaint, she said adding they attempted self-immolation to draw the attention of the authorities to their plight.