Kanpur: A man in Kalyanpur police station area on Saturday set himself on fire following a dispute with a neighbour and alleged police inaction. The seriously burnt man was admitted to Ursula Hospital by family members.The man was identified as Kala alias Rahul resident of Kalyanpur. The family members said he was dissatisfied with police action in connection with a dispute that had occurred about three weeks ago.
The family members alleged that on Jan 11, he objected to neighbour Shubham Katiyar about loud bullet motorcycle noise. Following this, the neighbour, along with his family members and associates, beat up Rahul’s brother Abhishek Dixit. The accused also attacked their mother Geeta Devi when she came to intervene. In the matter, the mother remained hospitalised for several days.After the assault a video went viral on social media. Police registered a report against nine named, including accused Shubham, and 19 unknown persons. The victim side alleged that even after 25 days of the incident, the police did not take effective action against the accused. They said the victim demanded action against the accused under serious sections, while police only took breach of peace action against the accused.According to police, on Saturday too, Rahul had a dispute with Shubham. After this, on Shubham’s information, Dial 112 reached the spot. Police personnel questioned Rahul and then left. Sometime after they left, he set himself on fire.Rahul’s brother Abhishek Dixit also alleged harassment by police.DCP (West) SM Qasim Abidi said the victim had an old dispute with the neighbour and filed a report against him a few days ago. He said a chargesheet was filed against the named accused on February 3, the then outpost in-charge was suspended, and the investigation was conducted by another. He said on Saturday there was again a dispute between both parties over some matter, and added: “The claim of being hurt by police working style or setting fire during arrest is wrong.”
