Coimbatore: A 60-year-old man on Monday attempted self immolation at the district collectorate over a property issue.

According to police, Sundaramurthy of Somanur, who had come to the collectorate for submitting a petition, suddenly took out kerosene and poured over his body and tried to immolate himself. Police personnel on duty foiled his attempt by pouring water on him.

Preliminary inquiry revealed that Sundaramurthy was reportedly cheated by one Vasanthamani, who had grabbed 24 cent land belonging to him. The act was to draw the attention of powers that be to help him to retrieve his property, police said.