Madurai, Dec. 18 -- A 40-year-old man on Thursday evening died by self-immolation near a police booth in Madurai, allegedly protesting the non-lighting of the Karthigai Deepam atop Thiruparankundram hill despite a Madras High Court order.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the man, a medical representative and mini auto owner, left a voicemail explaining his extreme step.

According to the Madurai City Police, the deceased was identified as Poorna Chandran, a resident of Narimedu. He is survived by his wife and two sons, ages 4 and 8. Chandran worked as a medical representative and also owned a mini auto, which he used to sell fruits and vegetables across the city.

Police said that Poorna Chandran died by suicide by self-immolatio...