Hyderabad
A home guard in Hyderabad who attempted self-immolation due to delayed salary payments and alleged harassment by superiors has tragically passed away. M. Ravinder, aged 36, set himself on fire by pouring petrol on his body on Tuesday at the Commandant Home Guard’s office near the Goshamahal police stadium. His desperate act came after he inquired about the delay in receiving his salary and was dissatisfied with the officials’ response. Bystanders were able to extinguish the flames. Ravinder, who suffered severe burns covering 60% of his body, was initially taken to Osmania General Hospital. However, as his condition worsened, he was transferred to DRDO Apollo Hospital. Despite the efforts of medical professionals to save him, he sadly succumbed to his injuries. The incident highlights the distressing situation faced by the home guard, who also reported harassment by superiors. His family has called for action against the sub-inspector and constable accused of mistreating him. His wife, Sandhya, alleged that officials unlocked Ravinder’s phone and deleted data. Sandhya emphasized that her husband had faithfully fulfilled his duties for 17 years but was compelled to take his own life due to the mistreatment by his superiors. Union Minister for Tourism and State BJP President G. Kishan Reddy, who visited DRDO Apollo Hospital and met with Ravinder’s family members, criticized the government for failing to fulfill its promises to home guards. He demanded an inquiry into the tragic self-immolation incident.
