Sri Lankan Tamil prison inmate attempts self-immolation

It is said, 20 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees and two Nigerians have been lodged in the special camp prison for various charges including over stay and attempting to escape to Australia illegally from various transit camps.

On Thursday, Mahendran (42) who belonged to the Gummidipoondi refugee camp attempted to douse himself with kerosene. He claimed that his detention was illegal. He has been lodged in the Tiruchy Special camp prison for more than three years on charges of attempting to send Tamil refugees from Kanniyakumari and Ramanathapuram to Australia.

On seeing his immolation bid, other inmates rushed to rescue him. Mahendran demanded the officials either to release him or to kill him inside the prison. It is said, Mahendran has been staging a series of protests for his release. Later, he was handed over to the officials and given first aid for minor burns. Q-branch police are investigating the case.