After fight with mother, man tries to immolate self

NEW DELHI - Upset over his mother admonishing him on his drinking, a 27-year-old man tried to immolate himself in the capital’s Bengali Market area Friday morning, fire officials said. His brother was injured while trying to save him, and both are in hospital with 70-80 percent burns.

The incident happened in Babar Lane in the Bengali Market area of New Delhi. The two brothers and their mother, Pushpa were on his way to a canteen they run at Patiala House, and had stopped at the market to buy milk and tea.

“Rajesh, a 27-year-old man, poured some inflammable liquid and set himself on fire. His brother Rajiv tried to save him but suffered burn injuries in the process,” the official said.

A police officer, who was just few metres away, rushed to the spot and took both to the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital where they are undergoing treatment. “Rajesh suffered severe burns and his situation is still critical,” said a senior police officer.

“Rajesh had a fight with his mother over drinking alcohol Thursday night and on their way to the canteen Friday, their verbal fight continued following which he got infuriated and tried to immolate himself,” said the officer.

According to Pushpa, Rajesh regularly fought at home after drinking.

“The statements of the victim’s family have been taken and it seems a family dispute. Till now no case has been registered and we are still investigating the matter,” added the officer.