Man sets himself afire condemning death penalty of Rajiv Gandhi assassins

A man Monday suffered burns after he set himself ablaze in Chennai allegedly condemning the death sentence awarded to three convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, police said.

The 43-year-old Selvam of West Saidapet, Chennai is admitted to hospital with 40% burns, police said.

On Sunday, a 22-year-old woman, Sengodi of Kancheepuram, succumbed to her injuries after she set herself on fire condemning the death sentence awarded to Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said in the state assembly on Monday she had no power to alter the Presidential order rejecting the clemency plea of the three convicts and called upon the youth "not to act upon impulse."

The three are scheduled to be hanged on September 9 at the central prison in Vellore where they are presently imprisoned.