Cabbie who burnt himself at airport dies

A 34-year-old cabbie who set himself ablaze inside his car at the pick-up point of the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday night.

Police said Pratap Kumar K, a resident of Tumbenahalli in Ramanagar, died around 2 am in the burns ward at Victoria Hospital. He had parked his cab close to the pick-up point and set himself on fire. He suffered more than 70% burn injuries while being shifted to the hospital.

Police said Kumar was unmarried and lived with his parents and elder brother.

Bengaluru International Airport police have taken up an abetment to suicide case against unknown people based on a complaint filed by Kumar's brother.

Police said Kumar had attached his cab with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and his business was hit hard by the pandemic and the resultant lockdown.

"His family have blamed some officials," a police officer said. Police suspect that Kumar had taken the extreme step due to financial problems.