Madhya Pradesh: Man immolates himself over land dispute in police presence

Indore: A 45-year-old man immolated himself in the presence of police personnel during an altercation over a land dispute in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district, police said on Monday.

The man identified as Bhanwar Singh suffered 41 per cent burns in the incident that took place in Simrol town, about 40 km from district headquarters, on Sunday night, an official said.

“Singh and his associates were involved in an altercation with another group over ownership of a plot of land when a patrolling team of the police reached the scene and tried to pacify the two groups”, superintendent of police (SP) rural Bhagwat Singh Birde said.

“However, when the dispute escalated despite police intervention, Singh allegedly poured an inflammable substance and set himself on fire”, he said.

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“Singh was rushed to MY Hospital with burn injuries”, he said.

“The accused persons had also allegedly attacked a police sub-inspector at the scene”, the official said.

“According to the FIR registered at Simrol police station, the accused verbally abused the policeman and beat him with sticks, due to which he sustained injuries to his shoulder, back and wrist,” he said.

“They also smashed the windscreen of the police vehicle”, he said.

“An offence has been registered against Singh and four of his associates under sections 147 (rioting), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code”, the official said.Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.