In a shocking incident near Parliament in New Delhi, a 26-year-old man named Jitendra from Uttar Pradesh‘s Baghpat district allegedly set himself on fire on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at the roundabout near Rail Bhavan, close to the Parliament building, leaving the victim with 90% burn injuries. Authorities are investigating the motive behind this tragic act, which preliminary reports suggest may be linked to personal disputes in his hometown.
Incident Details
The fire department received a distress call at around 3:30 PM, alerting them to a man ablaze near the Parliament premises. By the time fire tenders arrived, security personnel and civilians in the area had already intervened, extinguishing the flames and rushing Jitendra to a nearby hospital. According to Devesh Mahla, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), local and railway police worked in coordination to save the man.
The victim, who reportedly traveled to Delhi earlier in the day, had a general train ticket worth ₹15 in his pocket, suggesting he arrived at Shahdara railway station around 1 PM. The reasons behind his drastic action remain unclear, although police suspect personal enmity as a potential trigger.
Immediate Response and Medical Attention
The prompt response by security personnel stationed near the Parliament building played a crucial role in preventing further escalation. Despite their efforts, Jitendra sustained severe burns, covering 90% of his body. He was immediately transferred to a specialized hospital for treatment. Medical professionals describe his condition as critical, and authorities are working to ascertain whether his actions were premeditated or impulsive.
Suspected Motive Behind the Incident
Initial investigations point toward personal enmity in Jitendra’s hometown of Baghpat as a possible cause. However, officials have not ruled out other motives. Given the proximity of the incident to the Parliament building, authorities are conducting a thorough inquiry to rule out any political or broader societal implications. The discovery of the train ticket and his arrival time in Delhi suggest that Jitendra may have planned the act after reaching the city.
Security Concerns Near Parliament
The incident raises significant questions about security protocols in and around high-profile government locations such as Parliament. While the swift action by security personnel and local authorities prevented further damage, the ability of an individual to set himself on fire in such a sensitive area highlights potential gaps in monitoring and intervention strategies.
Authorities have been reviewing security measures in and around the Parliament complex, especially following recent global incidents of public self-immolation as a form of protest. Although this particular case appears to be personal, it underscores the importance of heightened vigilance to prevent similar occurrences.
Cases of Self-Immolation in India
Self-immolation is not uncommon in India, often used as a form of extreme protest or a desperate response to personal crises. While the exact motive in this case remains unclear, such incidents are frequently driven by unresolved disputes, financial distress, or perceived injustices.
In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of self-immolation across the country, drawing attention to systemic issues such as unemployment, caste-based discrimination, and governmental apathy. Experts note that these acts are often a cry for help, highlighting the need for accessible mental health services and community support systems.
The Path Forward
As authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Jitendra’s actions, the focus remains on uncovering the exact reasons behind his drastic step. Whether driven by personal or broader societal factors, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals in distress.
Beyond the immediate investigation, this tragedy underscores the importance of addressing mental health and conflict resolution at the grassroots level. Strengthening support systems and ensuring access to counseling services could help mitigate such incidents in the future. At the same time, enhancing security protocols in sensitive areas like the Parliament complex is essential to safeguard both public safety and national interests.