ALANGAD: An ex-expatriate, who had his house and land confiscated after taking a bank loan to help his friend, self-immolated and died after going to his friend's house. MS Shaji (54), son of late Sreedharan, set himself on fire after pouring kerosene over the body. The incident took place at 8.45 am yesterday. Shaji, an autorickshaw driver, left the house at around 6.30 am saying that he has been hired for a ride. At the time of the incident, only his friend's parents were at home.

Shaji, who has been a driver in the Middle East for 25 years, returned five years ago. He also worked as a driver in the tanker lorry of this friend who was with him in the Middle East. According to his relatives, Shaji had mortgaged his house and land to a bank for a loan of Rs 25 lakh. The house was foreclosed on when the loan was not repaid. He bought another house on his friend's assurance that he would pay, but had to move out as he did not receive the money. Relatives said he repeatedly asked his friend for money but he was not willing to pay. Shaji and his family had been staying on a rental basis in Manakkapadi for a long time.

Kalady police said it was not clear if there was a financial problem between the two and they are investigating. A case of unnatural death has been registered. The body will be handed over to relatives after postmortem today. Wife: Sheeba. Children: Jishnu and Vishnu.