Dalit Youth Sets Himself on Fire in Uttar Pradesh Over Police Inaction

Unnao-In a distressing incident that exposes the grim state of affairs in Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit youth set himself on fire in Unnao, 60 kilometers from the state capital Lucknow, expressing discontent with police actions in a case under the SC/ST Act (Prevention of Atrocities). Despite media portrayals of a robust law and order situation, the reality on the ground reveals the struggles faced by marginalized communities due to police inaction and corruption.

The victim, ShriChand Pasi, hailing from Bhoole Mau village, filed a complaint at the Purwa police station, alleging that he was assaulted and threatened by individuals attempting to grab his land. Although he registered a case under the SC/ST Act and attempted murder, the police only filed a case under section 151. Seeking justice, the aggrieved youth approached the SP office in Unnao, where he shocked authorities by pouring inflammable liquid over himself and setting it alight. Quick action by police officials at the office helped extinguish the flames, and the severely burnt youth was urgently transported to the district hospital before being moved to Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi hospital in Kanpur as his condition deteriorated. Reports suggest that he is now in stable condition.

The FIR filed at the Purwa police station reveals that Shri Chand Pasi accused his neighbors, Muniras Sabir, Anis, Mumtaz, and Sabeeha, of violence and caste abuses on October 18. However, the Circle Officer of Purwa removed two names from the FIR, citing a lack of evidence. The frustrated complainant approached the Office of the Superintendent of Police, accusing the police of evidence tampering and immolating himself shortly thereafter. District Magistrate Apoorva Dubey visited the hospital to meet Shri Chand, whose condition is reported to be critical. She assured him of justice and addressed the concerns raised by him.

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