BSF trooper sets himself on fire, dies

LUCKNOW - A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper posted in Haryana burnt himself to death in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district, police said Monday.

Rakesh Kumar, who was around 40 years old, set himself on fire late Sunday inside his house in Chandrapalkhedi village,” police inspector B.R. Verma told reporters in Saharanpur, some 450 km from Lucknow.

“Rakesh set himself on fire while he was alone at home. After noticing the smoke emanating from the house, locals rushed to the spot and found the charred body of Rakesh lying in one corner,” Verma said.

“We are yet to ascertain what made Rakesh take the extreme step. Preliminary investigations reveal Rakesh was not well for the last few days. He was in depression and preferred remaining aloof from his family members,” the official added.

Kumar came to his native Chandrapalkhedi village around two weeks back from Hisar, where he was posted.