NSUI leader attempts suicide in protest against Union leaders

An NSUI leader at Ramnagar in Nainital district received serious burn injuries when he allegedly set himself on fire in protest against some of the Union leaders being booked in a case of arson.

Three of his associates, who tried to extinguish the flames, also got minor burn injuries in the incident which took place yesterday, police said.

Rohit Pandey a local NSUI leader, was demanding the transfer of a police SHO, who according to him had allegedly lodged a false case against five Union activists for torching three bikes parked outside ABVP office at Maldhan in the district during student union polls.

His charge was that the NSUI workers named in the case had been wrongly booked by the SHO who should be immediately transferred. However, when it did not happen, Pandey and three others including youth Congress leader Deep Gunwant, Tanuj Durgapal and Godhan Fartyal climbed atop a water tank yesterday with bottles of petrol. Pandey then allegedly set fire to himself.

The youth was rushed to a hospital from where he was referred to Delhi where his condition is said to have improved, Kumaon range DIG G S Martolia said. Three of his associates, who tried to put out the flames, also received minor burn injuries and were discharged from hospital yesterday only.

Reacting angrily to the incident, senior minister Indira Hridayesh said it was the result of "indifference" of the administration and police officials.  NSUI leaders had reportedly threatened self-immolation a few days back if the SHO of the police station concerned was not transferred.