A youth immolated himself inside a police station in Badaun and was rushed to hospital with more than 80 percent burns. His family alleged that the police first arrested him over a petty dispute and later demanded money to set him free. However, the cops denied the allegation and said they were just initiating legal proceedings when the victim suddenly took the extreme step. Identified as Shree Pal (35), he was allegedly booked by the police following a spat with his cousin.

Shree Pal’s brother Kunwar Pal said, “Police had beaten my brother earlier and had taken money from us to release him. They were continuously torturing us and demanding more money. I even met a senior police officer but no action was taken against the local cops who are responsible for my brother’s critical condition. Strict action should be taken against them.”

According to Kunwar Pal, though both the parties were booked, the police slapped stringent sections against Shree Pal. On Monday evening, Shree Pal poured kerosene on himself and entered the Sahaswan police station before setting himself on fire. He was rescued and rushed to the medical college where doctors said that the condition of the victim was critical as he received more than 80 per cent burns.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) OP Singh met Shree Pal at the hospital and spoke to him. The SSP later said, “A man, who had a fight with his cousin over a land related dispute, set himself on fire inside the Sahaswan police station to put pressure on police as he was named in a cross-FIR. We are carrying out further investigation in this regard.”