Shahjahanpur: In a disturbing incident, a man doused himself with petrol and set himself ablaze outside a police station in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur, allegedly frustrated over lack of action in his vehicle theft case.
Eyewitnesses said the man stood outside the police station and immolated himself. Quickly, over 10 police personnel rushed to the man to douse the flames with blankets. A boy also helped pour water from a bottle to save the man.
The man, identified as 40-year-old Tahir Ali, was rescued and rushed to hospital where his condition is stated to be stable. His family members said Ali’s pickup van was stolen six months ago, and they had filed a complaint, but police failed to make headway in the investigation.
Superintendent of Police Ashok Meena confirmed the incident and said a probe is underway regarding the alleged theft. However, Ali’s extreme step has highlighted the need for police to deal sensitively with public grievances to ensure such desperate measures are not resorted to out of frustration against the system.
The disturbing video of the incident, filmed by local onlookers, raised serious questions about law and order in the area. Reform appears critical to strengthen citizen trust in the timely delivery of justice.
“We are currently investigating the incident and trying to find out why he took this step,” Mr Meena said.
“We will take strict action against those who are at fault,” he added.
