Kanpur Brothers Attempt Self-Immolation at Collectorate Over Land Encroachment Dispute
Chaos erupted at the Collectorate premises in Kanpur on Monday morning around 10 o'clock when two brothers attempted self-immolation by pouring diesel on themselves. Security personnel present at the spot acted with remarkable swiftness, catching both individuals and snatching the diesel bottles from their hands, thereby averting a major tragedy.
Police Intervention and Immediate Custody
Upon receiving information, a police force promptly reached the location, took both men into custody, and initiated interrogation. During questioning, they were identified as Padam Singh and Moti Singh. Both are currently residents of the Awas Vikas area in Naubasta, though they originally hail from Maitha in Kanpur Dehat district.
Root Cause: Alleged Land Encroachment and Official Neglect
The brothers revealed to the police that their motivation stemmed from a long-standing land dispute. They alleged that some strongmen had encroached upon their land in Naubasta Awas Vikas. Regarding this issue, they had complained multiple times to officials and even submitted a petition on the chief minister's portal, but no solution was forthcoming. It is alleged that, frustrated by continuous neglect and lack of action, they resorted to the drastic step of attempting self-immolation.
Official Statement and Ongoing Investigation
ACP Kotwali Ashutosh Kumar Singh provided further details, stating that on Monday at the district magistrate office premises, Moti Singh, son of Raghunath Singh from village Maitha in Kanpur Dehat district, along with family members, attempted self-immolation by pouring kerosene oil on himself. The police force present at the spot immediately intervened, stopping him and ensuring necessary security measures.
Subsequently, he was taken before Revenue Department officers and the district magistrate's office for dialogue and grievance redressal. The person alleged that approximately nine bighas of his land had been occupied by his co-sharers and some family members. Notably, the ACP mentioned that no application or written complaint had been submitted by him to the police either previously or until today's date regarding this matter.
Investigations are currently continuing in this regard, as stated by ACP Ashutosh Kumar Singh. The incident highlights the severe distress and desperation that can arise from unresolved property disputes and perceived administrative inaction.
