According to sources, Isakiappan, a staunch devotee of TVK chief Vijay, had attracted local attention four months ago by performing a ritual by piercing his body with a 16-foot long ‘vel’ (spear) as a penance to ensure Vijay’s victory in the upcoming elections.Police officials said Isakiyappan had recently been showing signs of mental distress due to the alleged slow pace of TVK’s political development.He suddenly sprinkled kerosene oil on himself and set himself on fire.People standing nearby ran to save him and extinguished the fire. He was initially taken to a local hospital, but later transferred to Kanyakumari Government Medical College Hospital for further treatment and intensive medical care.Police have registered the case and are investigating the incident.