Cuttack: A 32-year-old man, who sustained critical burn injuries after allegedly setting himself on fire in Cuttack district’s Banki area on Sunday, died while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital on Monday.Family members alleged he was harassed by a collectorate official for years for a job forcing him to take the extreme step. Police said the incident took place around 4.30 pm on Sunday at Bishnupur village under Banki. The deceased was identified as Amiya Singh, who allegedly poured petrol over himself and set himself ablaze about 300 metres from his house.Family members rushed him to a nearby PHC, from where he was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital due to the severity of his injuries. Hospital authorities said the victim sustained around 90% burn injuries and died on Monday morning during treatment.The deceased’s family alleged that Amiya had been under prolonged mental stress due to unresolved employment issues, he was harassed by the official even after 6 years of struggle.His younger brother, Abhijit Singh, claimed that the family had been pursuing a compassionate appointment since the death of their father seven years ago.“We were repeatedly informed that our application had been forwarded to higher authorities. However, we recently came to know that the file is still pending at the office of the Cuttack collector. We have already met the collector to pursue it. Several years have elapsed, but no decision has been taken,” added Abhijit.He alleged that the prolonged uncertainty took a toll on Amiya’s mental health. “Despite completing all required formalities, no employment was provided. Our father died at Cuttack hospital in 2019, and it is now 2026,” he added.Collector (Cuttack) Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde said, “He was not qualified for the job. There was no such grievances during my period here. Six years ago he came to the collectorate. We will check the details with officials here.”SP (Cuttack Rural) Vinit Agarwal said a scientific team was deployed at the spot and samples were collected. “A post-mortem examination has been conducted,” added Agarwal.
