Man sets self afire over police exploitation

A man set himself ablaze here as he was depressed over continued exploitation of his two sons by two Delhi Police constables, police said Sunday.

Uday Chand, 48, set himself afire in south Delhi's Neb Sarai area Saturday evening after pouring petrol on his body.

He was rushed with 85 percent burn injuries to the Safdarjung hospital.

In his statement to the police, the victim said he took the step after being depressed over continued exploitation of his two sons by two Delhi Police constables - Raj Kumar and Surender.

Both constables are posted in Neb Sarai Police Station.

The victim reportedly said the constables were allegedly demanding Rs.20,000 as extortion money from his elder son, Naveen, for running his three-wheeler scooter rickshaw (TSR) van without any restriction.

"The constables were continuously harassing Naveen as he was unable to give them such a large amount at the moment. A few days ago, the constables badly beat up the victim's younger son, Bhairav," said sources.

A police officer said a case has been registered following the victim's statement.

"Both the constables have been confined and proper action will be taken against them after a probe," said the officer.