Both reportedly had a quarrel two days ago and Chitra in a fit an anger, doused herself with kerosene and set herself afire. Hearing the screams, Manikandan, who was outside, and neighbours managed to put out the fire. Chitra was admitted to the Government Hospital and succumbed to injuries late last night, police said.

Manikandan was found dead by hanging on a tree near the hospital early today and preliminary investigation revealed that he was unable to bear the loss of his wife and took the extreme step.