Rape, murder accused sets himself ablaze in court lock-up

An undertrial, who was accused in a rape and murder case, allegedly tried to commit suicide by setting himself on fire at a court lock-up in Burdwan district today.

Sukanta Sarkar alias Ravan (37) was in the lock-up of the SDJM's court in Asansol before being produced when he set himself on fire and sustained 80 per cent burn injuries, police said.

He was taken to the Asansol Sub-divisional Hospital.

However, it was yet to be ascertained how he was able to set himself ablaze in the court lock-up in presence of policemen.

Sarkar was arrested on August 10 last year on charge of raping and murdering a seven-year-old girl.
 

The girl had gone missing after school hours on August 7 and her body with throat slit was found the next day.