Barred by guards from meeting PM,man sets self ablaze near PMO

His request to meet Manmohan Singh turned down by security personnel over the past five days,Choubey reportedly walked into the South Block at 3.25 pm,poured kerosene over himself and set himself ablaze in protest.

A TV news channel cameraperson,who was present there at the time and zoomed in on him,said Choubey claimed to be a computer professional based in Kuwait and had come home recently. “He said he came to Delhi five days ago,and went to meet the Prime Minister at his residence all five days. But the security guards apparently did not let me in,” the cameraperson (name withheld on request) told Newsline.

Choubey,however,did not tell the photojournalist the issue over which he needed to meet the Prime Minister.

The cameraperson said one of the autorickshaw drivers moving around the area finally put a blanket on Choubey and called the police — this was at 3.50 pm.

Police officials said Choubey is still unfit for statement; they are yet to ascertain what forced him to attempt immolation. Police officials said they have recovered some papers,partially burnt,from his pockets and are examining them. A case has been registered against Choubey at Parliament Street police station,officials added.