Upset over ‘inaction’, 40-yr-old woman sets herself ablaze outside police HQ

“She came to the gate of the headquarters and poured some liquid on herself. Then she lit a matchstick and set herself ablaze. The constable on duty rushed to her help and wrapped her in a blanket. He burnt his arms in the process. Both were taken to the hospital,” a senior police officer said.

During investigation, police found that Sushila had had a tiff with her sister and mother regarding property three days ago and had approached police for help. However, police had reportedly asked her to settle it with her family. Upset, she set herself on fire outside the police headquarters.

An officer posted at Sagarpur police station said, “The woman lives in Sadar Bazar, while her sister and their 65-year-old mother live in Sagarpur. There is some dispute over ownership of property between the woman and her sister. While Sushila claims that the house her sister is living in is hers, the mother claims otherwise. We sent notices to the family but we cannot throw a senior citizen out of the house. Only a court can take a decision in such matters,” the officer said.

“They had arguments on the issue in the past. But it was never reported from the Sagarpur area. We never ignored a complaint,” the officer said. Police have registered a case under Section 309 IPC (attempt to suicide) against the woman. After she recuperates, a detailed statement will be recorded, police said.

Police said they will also record the statements of Sushila’s mother and sister to ascertain what prompted her to set herself on fire.
“We have initiated an enquiry into the matter and a team has been set up to investigate the case. The woman is now out of danger,” a police officer said.