Man dies after setting himself on fire inside car in Wayanad

MANANTHAVADY: A 45-year-old man died after setting himself on fire inside his car in Wayanad district. The deceased has been identified as M.P. Sajir (45), a native of Iritty in Kannur. The incident took place on Thursday night at Erumatheru, near Maruti Theatre, in front of a businessman’s house gate. Sajir allegedly set himself ablaze while sitting inside the car. His wife, Najmunnisa, and their three children- Nibran, Nisan and Ayesha- were also inside the vehicle at the time.

As soon as the fire started, the three children managed to get out of the car and tried to escape. Locals soon rushed to the scene and rescued them. Ayesha sustained minor injuries. However, by the time Najmunnisa was rescued, the fire had spread badly and Sajir could not be taken out of the vehicle. Najmunnisa, who suffered more than 50 percent burns, was first taken to Wayanad Government Medical College Hospital for initial treatment and later shifted to the ICU of Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital.

Mananthavady Police have registered a case of unnatural death and started an investigation. The probe is being led by Principal Sub-Inspector M.C. Pavanan.

During a police inspection on Thursday night, two cans of petrol were found inside the car. A video message recorded by Sajir, explaining the reason for his suicide, surfaced after his death. Though he mentioned the names of a businessman from Mananthavady and a person from Kutta, Karnataka, no case has been registered against them so far.

The inquest proceedings were completed under the leadership of Mananthavady SI K.A. Paulose. After the post-mortem at Wayanad Government Medical College, the body was handed over to relatives at around 5 p.m. yesterday.

A forensic team led by Sindhu Thomas, K. Neethu and Muhammed Shafeeq collected evidence from the scene. Police are trying to record the statement of Najmunnisa, who is undergoing treatment. In the video message, Sajir reportedly stated that he intended to die by suicide along with his wife and children. He had informed relatives about his plan before carrying it out, but the incident happened before they could intervene.

Sajir had been living in Kutta, Karnataka, with his family for several years, where he was engaged in business.