By Biswanath Dash
BHUBANESWAR: Irked over police inaction, the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on Friday issued a notice to the Director General of Police (DGP) in connection with the death of a man due to self-immolation in front of Kishannagar police station in Salepur of Cuttack district.
On Thursday, one Gunanidhi Bisoyi of Sai Parua village in Ishanibramhapur set himself on ablaze in front of Kishannagar police station over alleged police inaction in a land dispute case. He was rescued in a critical condition and admitted to a private hospital in Cuttack. However, he breathed his last today while undergoing treatment.
Terming the incident as a serious matter and taking a suo moto cognisance of this case, the OHRC today directed the Odisha DGP to conduct an inquiry and submit a report by July 25.
According to reports, the victim, Gunanidhi Bisoyi, set himself on fire by pouring petrol on his body on Thursday. It is suspected that Bisoi had approached the officials of the local police station in connection with a land dispute. However, even after weeks with no assistance from the police officials, Bisoi resorted to the extreme step to end his life by self-immolation in front of the same police station.
Cuttack Rural SP B Jugal Kishore said “An unfortunate incident occurred yesterday where a man attempted self immolation near the police station. He was rescued and shifted to hospital by police personnel,” said Kishore.
“We have conducted an inquiry and written to the DGP recommending action against the IIC.”The SP said, “Based on the complaint filed by the victim, we have registered two cases and already the prime accused has been arrested.” The victim Gunanidhi Bisoi had earlier lodged a complaint over a land dispute with his relatives on June 22, 2022.
