Two head constables were suspended after an accused set himself on fire with matchsticks in police custody at the Salem Tabri police station on Sunday.
The cops present on the spot rushed towards the lockup and doused the fire with water and soil.
The accused has been identified as Rinku Ghai (37) of Valmiki Colony of Salem Tabri area.
The police rushed him to a private hospital from where he was referred to Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH). Ghai suffered burns on his back, chest and hands. According to doctors at the CMCH, he suffered 9% burns, and had been stated out of danger.
The police have registered a case of suicide against the accused under Section 309 of the IPC.
Following the incident, head constables Gurmeet Singh and Shantil Kumar were suspended for negligence.
The Salem Tabri police had arrested Ghai for trying to conceal his presence with a view to commit a cognizable offence on late Saturday night. The police also recovered a sharp-edged weapon from his possession.
According to inspector Dharampal, station house officer (SHO), Salem Tabri police station, the accused was demanding drugs from the police officials, which they refused. Meanwhile, as the police officials got engaged in receiving a mobile phone snatching complaint from a resident, the accused set himself ablaze to pressurise the police officials.
{{/usCountry}}According to inspector Dharampal, station house officer (SHO), Salem Tabri police station, the accused was demanding drugs from the police officials, which they refused. Meanwhile, as the police officials got engaged in receiving a mobile phone snatching complaint from a resident, the accused set himself ablaze to pressurise the police officials.
{{/usCountry}}The SHO said the accused possessed a criminal record. He was arrested by Division Number 1 police station for murder. But, was released on bail.
J Elanchezhian, assistant commissioner of police (ACP) (north), confirmed the suspension of two cops for negligence.
He said an inquiry had also been initiated to investigate how the accused managed to carry a matchbox inside the lockup.
The ACP said the Salem Tabri police station munshi Gurmeet Singh was absent from duty.