A person running a canteen near Commercial Tax Office here, today, attempted self immolation, protesting against the demolition of his canteen.

Selvakumar was running the canteen in front of the office, but reportedly encroached upon land that did not belong to him under the licence, police said.

The officials also warned him about the hygiene of his food and warned about cancelling the license, following which he had filed a case in the Madras High Court.

As the officials started demolishing the structure on the encroached land this afternoon, he suddenly poured kerosene on him and attempted to light the fire.

However, he was overpowered and taken to the police station, where he is being interrogated.