Home guard who attempted self-immolation near CM's house, dies

A sacked home guard jawan, who had attempted self-immolation near the Chief Minister's house here last week, died during the treatment today even as tension prevailed in his village when his body reached there with his kin demanding compensation.
Sandeep Hati (45), who had been dismissed in 2013, succumbed to burn injuries at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack where he was undergoing treatment after his suicide bid near Naveen Niwas on the night of September 2, the hospital officials said.
Hati had sustained around 65 per cent burn injuries by the time police personnel deployed near Naveen Patnaik's residence intervened as he poured kerosene and set himself on fire protesting his dismissal as a home guard jawan working in the state capital.

Sacked allegedly for joining a protest rally of Home Guards' Association against the then DCP, Hati denied the charge and stated after the incident that he had not joined the rally and said he took the extreme step after "failing" to get justice.
Tension prevailed at Hati's village Haladipadia in Puri district when his body reached there as his relatives and local demanded adequate compensation to the bereaved family, job to his widow and proper assistance for his son's education.
The villagers protested near the hearse and did not allow the body to be taken for cremation for long seeking fulfillment of their demands. The body was taken for cremation after discussions with local leaders and officials.

When contacted, DGP K B Singh said Rs 25,000 was given for Hati's cremation, while the matter related to providing job to a member of the family was under consideration.

Holding the state government responsible for Hati's tragedy, BJP said the dismissed home guard jawan took the extreme step due to "wrong" decision of the government.
Demanding a judicial inquiry into the incident, state BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma told reporters that immediate steps should be taken to provide adequate financial assistance to Hati's family and a job to his widow.
The Home Guards' Association has demanded Rs 15 lakh compensation to Hati's family and job for his wife.

The Police had earlier said the reason of Hati's dismissal from service would be probed.