Divyang dies after self-immolation bid in Odisha; Tehsildar suspended

A divyang youth, who was critical after a self-immolation attempt in front of Nuapada Tehsil office on Thursday over some land related issue, succumbed on Friday while undergoing treatment at Burla Medical.

Following the development, Nuapada Sadar Tehsildar was suspended by the RDC in connection with the tragic incident.

The victim has been identified as Jagdish Chauhan of Kalyanpur village.

As per reports, Jagdish came to the Tehsil office several times to get permission to sell his land. However, the officials allegedly didn’t cooperate with him at all. Frustrated over the long delay, Jagdish poured petrol on him and set himself on fire in front of the Tehsil office.

Subsequently, he was admitted to Nuapada medical in a critical condition and later shifted to Burla medical when his condition deteriorated. However, he succumbed to burn injuries while undergoing treatment in the hospital.

Aggrieved over his death, crest-fallen family members had filed a complaint against the Tehsildar and the Additional Tehsilar at Nuapada Police Station.

“Tehsildar didn’t cooperate with my husband and harassed him intentionally. He could not tolerate the injustice towards him and committed the suicide,” said the wife of the deceased.

Irate over the incident, locals have demanded Rs 50 lakh as compensation for Jagdish’s family.

Meanwhile, Nuapada Collector, Hema Kanta Say has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

“Nuapada ADM has engaged a district level officer to start an inquiry into the incident in a transparent manner and submit the report soon,” said Say.