Elderly woman sets herself on fire after preparing funeral pyre; condition critical

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a shocking incident, an elderly woman attempted suicide by setting herself on fire after preparing a funeral pyre behind her house in Neyyattinkara on Monday morning. The woman has been identified as Nalinikumari, a native of Neyyattinkara. She sustained severe burn injuries and was immediately admitted to a private hospital in the area. Her condition remains critical, hospital sources said.

According to initial reports, Nalinikumari arranged firewood behind her house, set it ablaze, and then lay down on the burning pyre. Neighbours noticed the flames and quickly alerted the police. The fire was extinguished, and she was rushed to the hospital without delay.

Nalinikumari's husband has been undergoing treatment in a hospital for the past one year due to illness. Their children are reportedly living abroad. Locals stated that Nalinikumari had been under severe mental stress in recent months, reportedly due to her husband’s prolonged illness and feelings of loneliness. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, including whether anyone else was present at the house at the time.