Two brothers allegedly attempted self-immolation at Loharu in Haryana's Bhiwani district around Monday noon when the police and district administration officials reached there to enforce a Punjab and Haryana High Court order seeking to evict them from land they allegedly encroached upon. As the district administration team led by Duty Magistrate Shekhar Narwa asked Satbir, 42, and Ashok, 30, to vacate the land, they allegedly poured an inflammable substance over their bodies and set themselves on fire. Onlookers captured the incident on camera, and its videos went viral on social media. The police and bystanders extinguished the flames and quickly, and rushed Satbir and Ashok to a nearby hospital, from which they were referred to Bhiwani Civil Hospital. Both men sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving treatment. The issue involves a dispute between two rival groups over a seven-acre land in Loharu. Satbir and his opposing group have been in a legal battle for nearly two decades, each asserting their claim to the land. Recently, the high court ruled in favour of one party and directed the district administration to remove Satbir and his family members from the land. Satbir lives with his wife and six children, while Ashok with his wife. Both men work as daily wage labourers. Their relatives claimed that a wedding was set to take place in the family on April 7, and that the district administration took the action without providing any prior notice. They also said the next court hearing in the case was scheduled for April 8. "The district administration's team visited the site following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. All necessary arrangements were in place. Unfortunately, as soon as Duty Magistrate Shekhar Narwal arrived, two men set themselves on fire. They have been admitted to a hospital in Bhiwani, where their condition is currently stable," said Subdivisional Magistrate Manoj Dalal, adding that they are talking to both sides and proceeding legally.
