By IANS,
Lucknow : A businessman in Agra set himself on fire early Monday, alleging continuous harassment by the police. His wife and three-year-old daughter also suffered burn injuries while trying to save him.
Police had raided the house of Sudhir Gupta, a businessman, at around 2 a.m. Monday when he poured kerosene and set himself ablaze.
“I went to the balcony and inquired why those people in plain clothes were knocking on our door. They said they are policemen and have come to take my husband to the police station for interrogation,” Gupta’s wife Rakhi told reporters.
She alleged that the police had framed Gupta in a robbery case five months ago and he was even taken to jail.
“When we refused to open the door, the cops broke the main gate of our house. Sensing trouble, my husband rushed to the roof and after pouring kerosene set himself on fire,” Rakhi said.
In a bid to save Gupta, Rakhi and her daughter Nandini also suffered burns.
“We have reported the matter to the National Human Rights Commission and the matter is being probed. A constable has also been suspended following the NHRC inquiry. The cops are after us for a compromise and are even demanding money,” Gupta, who has been admitted to hospital with over 60 percent burns, told reporters.
The police have declined comment and said a probe was underway.
“We are probing the matter and a statement will be issued by our senior officers later,” Superintendent of Police (City) B.P. Ashok told IANS over phone.