Sri Lankan Tamil climbs tree to end life at Trichy special camp

Trichy: Fire and rescue services personnel rescued a Sri Lankan Tamil inmate who had climbed a tree in a bid to end life at the special camp on the premises of Trichy Central Prison on Tuesday. He fainted on a branch of the tree with a rope around his neck. Y Navanathan, 41, is an activist advocating for Sri Lankan Tamils, victims of the civil war, and the welfare of refugees. He had been on a hunger strike for ten days, demanding to deport him to Sri Lanka.Around 10am on Tuesday, Navanathan abruptly climbed a tree carrying a rope. He reached a height of about 30ft and threatened to hang himself. The camp authorities appealed to him to come down, but he refused.Around noon, Navanathan fainted while remaining on the branch, likely due to prolonged starvation and dehydration. He appeared to be at imminent risk of falling from the branch. Officials informed the fire and rescue services from the Trichy fire station. A team of five firefighters led by assistant district officer S Leo Joseph arrived at the scene and rescued Navanathan after removing the rope from around his neck. Navanathan was rushed to Trichy Government Hospital. According to sources, Navanathan has a history of resorting to similar hunger strikes and dramatic protests in the past.(Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on TN's health helpline 104 and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)