A man allegedly self-immolated in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu outside his lover’s house in order to save her from her disapproving parents on Saturday.

Vijay, 25, met Aparna Sri at a private engineering college in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu.

By the end of the course, the couple fell in love and Vijay moved to Chennai for employment opportunities.

He was then informed by his friends that Aparna Sri's family knew about their relationship and had apparently snatched away her cell phone in order to cut ties with him.

The 25-year-old then visited Aparna Sri's home with his relatives and offered to marry her.

However, Aparna Sri's parents refused the proposal and later filed a complaint against him with Karaikudi All Women Police Station.

Vijay again visited her residence on Saturday evening but her parents refused and reportedly said that the whole issue would end if Aparna Sri dies.

In utter shock and in order to save his lover, Vijay brought petrol and set himself on fire in front of Aparna Sri's house stating that she should live.

Neighbours informed the fire authorities who took him to the nearby hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries.

An investigation is underway.