In yet another shocking incident of what may be deemed as an act of brutality, a journalist’s mother was set on fire allegedly by two policemen in UP’s Kothi police station.
The news agency PTI reported that the lady in question had gone to free her husband Ram Narain, who was taken into custody on Saturday. Police said that Ram Narain was brought to the police station on Saturday night for questioning in connection with firing over eve teasing in Gaha village.
The report said that two policemen set her ablaze when she refused to pay bribe. Though the authorities have suspended the two officials and register a case against them, the policemen have denied the charge, saying that the woman had immolated herself.
The lady, identified as Nitu Dwivedi, is the mother of a journalist working in a Hindi daily. Her condition is said to be very serious. She is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Lucknow.
Dwivedi in her statement before a Magistrate and media alleged that she was abused and humiliated when she refused to meet the demand of Rs one lakh for freeing her husband.
The visuals of the her burning has gone viral on the electronic media.
This incident comes less than a month afater journalist Jagendra Singh was set on fire allegedly by UP policemen in Shahjahanpur district allegedly at the behest of a minister.
Samajwadi Party leader and UP minister Shivpal Yadav has reportedly promised to probe the entire incident adding that strict action will be taken those found guilty.