A shocking incident of self-immolation unfolded in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district on Wednesday, as a couple set themselves ablaze in a desperate protest against the demolition of their house. The event has triggered significant local unrest and raised serious questions about encroachment disputes and administrative actions.
Desperate Protest Against Demolition Drive
The tragic episode occurred in the Satwas area when a joint team comprising the tehsildar, municipal council officials, and police personnel arrived at the residence of Santosh Vyas and his wife Jayshree Vyas to carry out a demolition order. Officials maintained that the structure was illegally built on an encroached public drain. Faced with the imminent destruction of their home, the couple, in a heart-wrenching act of defiance, poured petrol over themselves and ignited it.
Chaos, Rescue, and Medical Emergency
Quick-thinking onlookers at the scene rushed to douse the flames, preventing an even greater tragedy. The severely burned couple was first rushed to a government hospital in Satwas for initial treatment. Given the critical nature of their injuries, they were subsequently referred to Choithram Hospital in Indore for advanced care.
Deputy director of health services at Choithram Hospital, Anil Kumar Lakhwani, provided a grave medical update. Jayshree Vyas was admitted with approximately 50% burns, with the most severe injuries concentrated on her upper limbs and face. Her condition remains critical. Her husband, Santosh Vyas, sustained between 15-20% burns and is reported to be in stable condition.
Official Response and Aftermath
The incident sparked immediate and intense public anger. A crowd gathered at the spot began pelting stones at the earthmoving machines brought for the demolition, forcing the officials to flee the scene. The protest halted the demolition activity, at least temporarily.
On Thursday, a day after the traumatic event, the legal process began. An executive magistrate recorded the statements of the injured couple at Choithram Hospital. Additional District Magistrate Sanjeev Jain confirmed that the recording took place in Indore, marking a formal step in the investigation into the circumstances that led to the extreme protest.
The case highlights the volatile nature of land and encroachment issues in urban and semi-urban areas, where the threat of losing one's home can lead to desperate measures. The condition of Jayshree Vyas is being closely monitored as the community and authorities grapple with the fallout of this severe incident.
