26/11 martyr’s uncle attempts self-immolation outside parliament (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI - A 56-year-old man, identified as the paternal uncle of 26/11 martyr Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, attempted self-immolation outside the Parliament House Thursday evening allegedly disturbed over the government’s response towards the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks.

According to police, K. Mohanan, a native of Kozhikode in Kerala, poured kerosene over his body and set himself afire outside Gate No.4 of Parliament House near Vijay Chowk at around 6 p.m. He suffered 85 percent burn injuries.

“People who were at the spot tried to douse the fire and informed the police after which Mohanan was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where he is undergoing treatment,” said a police officer, adding that he had received 85 percent burn injuries.

“He is still under treatment and his condition is said to be critical,” said the officer.

In the suicide note written in Malayalam, Mohanan said that he was unhappy at the way the victims of the Mumbai attacks were being treated by the government. Mohanan is the younger brother of Sandeep’s father.

“He was also disturbed at the death of Sandeep. He wanted to feel the pain he might have suffered when he was shot at by the terrorists,” added the officer.

Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was in the National Security Guard, died in the assault on the Taj hotel in Mumbai against terrorists in the Nov 26-29, 2008 attack.

Police have also recovered a train ticket and note book from Mohanan’s possessions. “We think that he reached the capital on Jan 30,” he said.

“We have informed the family members in Kerala and they are on their way to the capital. They are expected to arrive tomorrow,” said the officer.