Thiruvananthapuram: After it was reported that 49-year-old Venugopalan Nair self-immolated at the BJP protest venue, it has come to light that he committed the act for reasons unrelated to the Sabarimala issue.
According to the Thiruvananthapuram police, Nair self-immolated for personal reasons. Evidences were collected by the squads after they visited the place after his death. Case has been registered and investigations are underway.
Venugopalan, an auto driver who hailed from Muttada, set himself on fire during the early hours this Thursday in front of the Secetariat Building in Thiruvananthapuram, the place where the BJP members were protesting against the Sabarimala issue. He set himself on fire and ran towards the State secretariat building, chanting ‘Swamiye Sharan Ayyappa’. It was earlier said that he set himself ablaze because he was unhappy with the Apx Court allowing entry of women into the Ayyappa Shrine. Later he was rushed to the hospital where he sustained 90% burns.
Denying the reports, the BJP state general Secretary, MT Ramesh said that Venugopalan was not a part of the party, he appeared at the protest venue 10-15 minutes before the incident took place.
