Tragic Death in Cuttack After Alleged Job Harassment Drives Man to Self-Immolation
A 32-year-old man from Cuttack district has died after sustaining critical burn injuries in a tragic incident of self-immolation. The victim, identified as Amiya Singh, allegedly set himself on fire on Sunday afternoon in Bishnupur village under the Banki area, succumbing to his injuries during treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital on Monday morning.
Family Alleges Years of Harassment Over Employment
Family members have come forward with serious allegations, claiming that Amiya Singh was subjected to prolonged harassment by a collectorate official regarding a job appointment. According to his younger brother, Abhijit Singh, the family had been pursuing a compassionate appointment since their father's death seven years ago in 2019. "We were repeatedly told our application was forwarded to higher authorities, but we recently discovered the file remains pending at the Cuttack collector's office," Abhijit stated. "Several years have passed without any decision, and this uncertainty severely affected Amiya's mental health."
Details of the Incident and Medical Response
The incident occurred around 4:30 PM on Sunday, approximately 300 meters from Amiya Singh's residence. Witnesses reported that he poured petrol over himself before igniting the flames. Family members immediately rushed him to a nearby Primary Health Centre (PHC), but due to the severity of his injuries—estimated at around 90% burns—he was transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital. Despite medical efforts, hospital authorities confirmed he passed away on Monday morning during treatment.
Official Responses and Investigation
In response to the allegations, Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde commented, "He was not qualified for the job. There were no such grievances during my tenure here. He approached the collectorate six years ago, and we will verify the details with our officials." Meanwhile, Cuttack Rural SP Vinit Agarwal confirmed that a scientific team was deployed to the scene to collect samples, and a post-mortem examination has been conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This tragic event highlights significant concerns about bureaucratic delays and mental health pressures faced by individuals seeking government employment. The family's claims of harassment over six years underscore potential systemic issues within local administration. As the investigation proceeds, community members and authorities alike are calling for transparency and accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case has sparked discussions about the need for more efficient grievance redressal mechanisms and mental health support for those navigating complex employment processes.
