Five members of a family allegedly attempted self-immolation along with their two children claiming harassment by a police officer.

Yousuf Hakim sustained 90 per cent burn injuries and was referred to a New Delhi hospital while others were rescued by locals and policemen present at the time of the incident at village Bhat Garhi under Kotwali Dehat police station here on Wednesday evening.

Mehwish, 22, her brother-in-law Yousuf and other family members were upset as a policeman, who had come to the village to probe into a complaint of their neighbour accusing them of vandalising his house, allegedly abused and humiliated them.

Role in husband’s death

The inspector allegedly accused Mehwish of having a role in the death of her husband and Yousuf’s brother Abdul Hakim.

Mehwish had eloped with Abdul Hakim in October, 2010 and they later married.
They returned to village in July, 2012 but Abdul was killed in November, 2012 by four villagers of Bhat Garhi.

Mehwish, who was living with her in-laws since her return to village, claimed it to be an honour killing.

Police, however, had described the matter as an accidental death.

Enraged at being accused of her husband’s murder, Mehwish allegedly tried to commit self immolation along with her two minor daughters. Her in-laws too tried to set themselves ablaze.

Though Mehwish and others were rescued, Yousuf suffered severe burn injuries.

Critical condition

According to chief medical superintendent S D Singh here, the condition of Yousuf continues to be critical.

Angry villagers on Thursday staged a protest here.

Superintendent of police Gulab Singh said the inspector has been taken of active duty.
SP (city) Ajay Sahni said the matter will be probed and a report submitted within three days.