Man battles for life after attempted self-immolation

RAWALPINDI:

A man was admitted to the Rawalpindi’s Holy Family Hospital’s burn unit in a critical condition after he tried to self-immolate.

Kabir Ahmed, 30, a resident of Pindorian locality, worked at a furniture shop on the Murree Road. Eye witnesses said Ahmed doused himself in petrol and put a match to himself in a corridor of a commercial plaza within the jurisdiction of New Town Police Station.

They said Ahmed ran down the stairs engulfed in fire and calling for help. The shopkeepers extinguished the fire and called Rescue 1122.

Rescuers said the victim suffered serious burn injuries. Doctor at hospital said they were trying their best to save him.

Saeed Khan, owner of the furniture shop where the victim was employed, said Ahmed was distressed for last three days over a domestic issue.

Khan said Ahmed left the shop on Tuesday after pumping out petrol from the generator into a plastic bottle and went upstairs on the first floor where he attempted self-immolation.

Later, police officials also collected samples of charred shoes and clothes of the victim.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2016.