Man attempts self-immolation near SP office in UP's Unnao, alleges police of serving injustice

In a sensational incident reported from Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao, a Dalit man attempted to self-immolate by pouring kerosene and setting himself on fire on Tuesday afternoon. The incident took place near the office of the Superintendent of Police in presence of a few police personnel.

The man identified as Srichandra, a resident of Bhulemau village in the Purva Kotwali area, reportedly accused the police of not doing justice to him in a land dispute case, before setting himself on fire.

Man sustains 60 percent burn injuries

The police personnel present on the spot extinguished the fire by covering him with a blanket and rushed him to the district hospital. In the hospital, it was found that the man suffered more than 60 per cent burns. He was later referred to Lucknow for better treatment.

After the incident, the brother of the victim said their ancestral land in the village was encroached upon by some Muslim men. When an objection was raised, they attacked the family with an intention to kill. A case has been registered in the matter.

Accusing the police, he further added that instead of taking action against the attackers, the police filed a fake case against the complainant. The whole family had met officials and pleaded for justice, but to no avail.

Subsequently, his brother tried to commit suicide at the office of the superintendent of police, he said.

Meanwhile, after the incident, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tarun Gauba visited the spot. Terming the incident unfortunate, he said, the reasons which drove the man to set himself on fire are being investigated in depth.

He stated that efforts will be made to ensure that such incidents do not recur.