Hazare supporter's family seeks Kejriwal's help

Dinesh Yadav set himself ablaze and died in 2011 in Delhi to support activist Anna Hazare-led anti-graft campaign

Minor children of Dinesh Yadav, who set himself ablaze and died in 2011 in Delhi to support activist Anna Hazare-led anti-graft campaign, Monday appealed to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to help them through their life of misery.

"Kejriwal uncle, my father sacrificed his life for your movement, demanding Lokpal bill. We are living in abject poverty and fighting for survival, please help us," 14-year-old Guddu, elder son of Dinesh, said.

Dinesh was resident of Sarfuddinpur village, about 40 km from Bihar capital city.

Guddu said: "After my father died, we were left with no option but to work as labourers and discontinued school."

Cursing her fate, Dinesh's wife Malmatiya Devi said: "Now, our hope lies with Dilli sarkar (Delhi government) of Kejriwal."

"We have no money to even buy a ticket to Delhi. It is for Kejriwal to help us," she told IANS.

Dinesh - the family's sole bread winner - left behind his parents, wife and five children, including Pooja Kumari (12), Bharti Kumari (10), Sohil (8) and Amar (4).

Dinesh's brother Brijmohan Yadav told IANS that politicians from various parties visited the family after his brother's death and promised help, but nothing has happened.

"They assured a road after his name, a life-size statue and free education to his children. But nothing happened till date," he said.

Shouting pro-Anna Hazare slogans, Dinesh Yadav set himself ablaze near Rajghat in New Delhi Aug 23, 2011. He sustained 70-80 percent burns and died in a hospital Aug 29.