Bengaluru: Cab driver dies by self-immolation, another man ends life over Rs 2 crore debt

A 39-year-old cab driver, Manjunath H, set himself on fire near his estranged wife’s house on Thursday after she refused reconciliation during ongoing divorce proceedings.

Manjunath, a native of Tumakuru, married Nayanaraj in 2013. The couple, who have a nine-year-old child, separated in 2022 and filed for divorce in 2023 over persistent arguments. Despite his repeated attempts to reconcile, Nayanaraj declined, citing their frequent quarrels.

On Thursday morning, Manjunath visited his wife’s house in Bengaluru, seeking to mend their relationship. After being rebuffed, he returned with a bottle of inflammable liquid and set himself ablaze. He was rushed to a nearby hospital by Jnanabharathi police but was declared brought dead by doctors.

In another tragic incident, a 55-year-old man, identified as Manjunath T C, died by suicide at Mantri Square Mall in Malleswaram around 9 pm the same day. A native of Tiptur, Tumakuru, he was residing in Ullal Upanagar, Bengaluru.

The Malleswaram police recovered a suicide note from the scene in which the deceased cited financial troubles as the reason for his drastic step. Initial investigations revealed debts of approximately Rs 2 crore, which likely contributed to his decision.

Both incidents have left the city grappling with the devastating impacts of strained relationships and financial distress.