Protester against rape dies after self-immolation

A 38-year old man, who set himself ablaze on the premises of a court in nearby Tirupur district protesting the increasing rape incidents in the country, died at a hospital here today.

Raju, running a tea shop, had attempted self-immolation at the court premises in Palladam on January 3, raising slogans against rape. He suffered third degree burns and was admitted to the government hospital here.

However, his condition worsened this morning and he died without responding to treatment, police said.

The man's action in a court premises came amid the raging public outcry against the gangrape and subsequent death of a 23-year-old paramedical student in Delhi and demands for stringent action to curb crimes against women.