Ex-policeman tries to immolate self, held

Abohar, June 13

The police foiled a bid by a retired Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Rajasthan Police to immolate self during a protest against anti-encroachment drive in Hanumangarh on Wednesday.

A mediaperson was hurt during the clash that followed between the ex-policeman’s family and Municipal Corporation staff. Municipal Corporation Commissioner Rajinder Swami and accounts officer Rakesh Arora led the team to demolish encroachment after issuing notice to Niranjan Singh, ex-ASI in Ward No 34. As JCB machine and staff moved towards his house, Niranjan reportedly came out with a bottle of kerosene oil and tried to sprinkle it on his clothes. Policemen snatched the bottle from him.

Meantime, his family members also came out wielding lathis and clashed with the MC staff and the police. Niranjan and four others were held for breaching peace and preventing officials from performing their duties. — OC