Tragedy in Bengaluru: Man Dies by Self-Immolation
In a shocking and deeply unsettling incident in Bengaluru, a 40-year-old man has died after setting himself on fire. The desperate act allegedly followed a heated domestic dispute during which his wife beat him with slippers, an act of profound humiliation that appears to have been the final trigger.
The incident took place in the city’s HKP Nagar area, sending ripples of shock and sorrow through the community. This tragedy highlights the often-unseen struggles occurring behind closed doors and raises urgent questions about domestic violence against men and the silent crisis of male mental health.
What Led to the Fatal Incident?
According to initial police reports, the man, identified as Arunesh, was involved in a fierce argument with his wife on Tuesday night over a domestic issue. The confrontation escalated violently, culminating in his wife allegedly using her slippers to assault him.
In the context of Indian social dynamics, being beaten with a slipper is widely regarded as an act of extreme disrespect and humiliation. For Arunesh, this moment was seemingly unbearable. Overwhelmed by a potent mix of shame, anger, and despair, he allegedly doused his body in kerosene and set himself ablaze.
Medical Emergency and Subsequent Death
Neighbours were alerted by horrifying screams and rushed to the scene. They managed to extinguish the flames and immediately transported Arunesh to Victoria Hospital for emergency treatment. He was admitted with severe, life-threatening burns covering a majority of his body.
Despite the best efforts of the medical team, Arunesh succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning. His death leaves behind a shattered family and a community grappling with the senseless loss of life.
Police Action and Investigation
The police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against the wife and have taken her into custody for questioning as the investigation proceeds. While the law determines the legal consequences, the incident serves as a grim reminder of societal issues that are frequently ignored.
This case forces a difficult conversation about the gendered lens through which domestic violence is often viewed. While women are overwhelmingly the victims of domestic abuse, the story of the man who set himself on fire after his wife beat him with slippers in Bengaluru shows that men can be victims too. The social stigma and fear of ridicule often prevent them from seeking help, leading them to suffer in silence.
The tragedy also underscores the catastrophic consequences of ignoring mental and emotional well-being. Self-immolation is not an act of simple anger but a final, desperate cry for help from a person who sees no other escape. It is a mirror reflecting a collective failure to create safe spaces for men to be vulnerable and to address mental health with the seriousness it demands.
