Tragic Death in Aligarh: Man Succumbs to Burns After Self-Immolation
A 52-year-old man from Agra, identified as Manoj Verma, has died after suffering severe burns in a self-immolation incident outside a police outpost in Aligarh. The tragic event occurred on Sunday, and Verma succumbed to his injuries at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on Monday. Family members have come forward with serious allegations, claiming that police harassment related to a long-pending case under the SC/ST Act drove him to take this extreme step.
Family Alleges Police Harassment Over Old Case
According to Verma's brother, Rajeev Soni, the deceased was a local driver who had been facing ongoing pressure from law enforcement. Soni stated that a 20-year-old case under the SC/ST Act was still pending against Verma, and he was being harassed by police officers, possibly linked to a non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued in the past. The family insists that this persistent intimidation led to Verma's desperate act of setting himself on fire.
Police Deny Claims and Launch Investigation
In response to the allegations, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Neeraj Jadaun of Aligarh has refuted the claims of police harassment. Jadaun mentioned that Verma lived approximately 150 meters away from the Khair police outpost where the incident took place. After speaking with family members, he reported that they did not mention any harassment during their conversation. The SSP clarified that while a court might have issued an NBW in the past, there was no such warrant active at the time of the incident. Authorities are now probing every angle of the case to determine the exact circumstances leading to Verma's death.
Details of the Self-Immolation Incident
Police reports indicate that the incident unfolded around 4 pm on Sunday near the Khair police outpost. Verma allegedly sprayed an inflammable substance on himself before setting himself ablaze. Engulfed in flames, he then walked towards the police chowki. Officers rushed out and managed to smother the fire using blankets, but by that time, Verma had already sustained critical burns covering 80% of his body. He was immediately rushed to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, where he remained in critical condition until his death on Monday.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Probe
This incident has sparked concerns about police conduct and the handling of cases under the SC/ST Act, which is designed to protect marginalized communities from discrimination and violence. The conflicting accounts from the family and police highlight the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. As authorities continue their probe, questions remain about the pressures faced by individuals in similar legal situations and the measures in place to prevent such tragedies.
The death of Manoj Verma serves as a somber reminder of the severe consequences that can arise from alleged harassment and legal disputes. It underscores the importance of transparent policing and support systems for those entangled in prolonged court cases.
