In a tragic incident, a 40-year-old head constable with the city police died by suicide after setting himself ablaze near the Taramani MRTS railway station on Wednesday.
The deceased, identified as Senthil, was reportedly distraught over an impending departmental inquiry into a drink-driving accident involving him the previous night.
Senthil, a native of Nagapattinam, was attached to the Law and Order Wing of the Taramani Police Station and lived with his family at the police quarters in Alandur.
According to police sources, on Tuesday night, Senthil, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, was driving his car along the Maduvankarai flyover when he collided with a two-wheeler.
The rider, Murugesan (54), was thrown off the flyover and sustained serious injuries. He was immediately taken to the Government Royapettah Hospital, where he remains under treatment.
Following the accident, Senthil reportedly attempted to flee the scene. However, members of the public pursued him and intercepted his vehicle near the Kathipara flyover. They alerted the police, and personnel from the Guindy Traffic Investigation Wing (TIW) arrived at the scene.
After conducting preliminary inquiries and tests, officers confirmed that Senthil had been driving under the influence of alcohol. The traffic police obtained a written undertaking from Senthil, directing him to appear before the TIW for a formal inquiry at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, videos of the accident and his attempted escape, recorded by bystanders, were widely circulated on social media, intensifying public scrutiny.
On Wednesday morning, Senthil reported for duty at the Taramani Police Station. However, before heading to the scheduled inquiry, he reportedly stopped near the Taramani MRTS station. There, he allegedly siphoned petrol from his two-wheeler and set himself on fire.
Passers-by on the busy arterial road witnessed the horrifying act and immediately alerted the fire and rescue services. Firefighters arrived at the spot and attempted to extinguish the flames. Senthil was rushed to Kilpauk Medical College Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Senior police officials have launched an investigation into the incident. The city police are also expected to conduct an internal review to assess procedural protocols and mental health support systems for personnel facing disciplinary proceedings.

Chennai cop sets himself on fire before departmental inquiry over drink-driving incident.

Constable Dies by Suicide Amid Drink-Drive Probe

Chennai cop sets himself on fire before departmental inquiry over drink-driving incident.

May 21, 2025 | 23:19 IST