Rape, murder accused sets himself ablaze in court lock-up

An undertrial, who was accused in a rape and murder case, allegedly tried to commit suicide by setting himself on fire at a court lock-up in Burdwan district today.

An undertrial, who was accused in a rape and murder case, allegedly tried to commit suicide by setting himself on fire at a court lock-up in Burdwan district on Thursday.

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Sukanta Sarkar alias Ravan (37) was in the lock-up of the SDJM's court in Asansol before being produced when he set himself on fire and sustained 80% burn injuries, police said.

He was taken to the Asansol Sub-divisional Hospital.

However, it was yet to be ascertained how he was able to set himself ablaze in the court lock-up in presence of policemen.

Sarkar was arrested on August 10, 2012 on charge of raping and murdering a seven-year-old girl.

The girl had gone missing after school hours on August 7 and her body with throat slit was found the next day.