G Malarvizhi, president of Kodungal village panchayat in Villupuram district, attempted to self-immolate at the Villupuram Collectorate on Monday, alleging that her petition on caste discrimination had not been acted upon. Police prevented the attempt and allowed her to submit her petition.

Her petition sought action by the Villupuram collector against the panchayat vice-president, who is her relative, and certain local officials. She alleged caste discrimination, intimidation, interference in her official duties, and an attempt to strip her of administrative powers.

Malarvizhi, who said she belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, stated that she was denied a chair at the panchayat office and prevented from hoisting the national flag during official occasions. She further alleged that her cheque-signing authority had been taken away and that cheques for payments relating to works she undertook were being withheld.