Digital News Guru New Delhi Desk:
A 26-year-old man named Jitendra from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, who set himself on fire near the new Parliament building in New Delhi on December 25, has succumbed to his injuries. He passed away during treatment at RML Hospital on December 27.
Incident occurred close to the Parliament complex
The incident occurred around 3:30 PM near the Rail Bhawan roundabout, close to the Parliament complex. Jitendra reportedly poured a petrol-like substance over himself and ignited it. Security personnel present at the scene acted swiftly to extinguish the flames and transported him to RML Hospital, where he was admitted to the burn ward. He passed away during treatment at RML Hospital on December 27.
Medical authorities reported that Jitendra sustained 95% second-degree deep dermal burns, leading to burn shock from inhalational injuries, which was determined as the cause of death.
Possible Motive
Preliminary investigations suggest that Jitendra’s actions may be linked to personal issues stemming from a legal case filed against him in Baghpat. Authorities have not discovered a suicide note at the scene, and the exact motive remains under investigation. Delhi Police Deputy Commissioner Devesh Mahla stated, “In an investigation, we have found that he is a resident of UP’s Baghpat and that he is in some trouble due to a case registered against him in Baghpat.”
Preliminary investigations suggest that Jitendra’s actions were motivated by personal distress stemming from ongoing disputes in his hometown. His family was reportedly involved in two assault cases with another family in their village, causing him significant upset.
Mental Health Considerations
The tragic incident has raised concerns about the mental health challenges faced by individuals dealing with personal and familial conflicts. It underscores the importance of accessible mental health support and effective conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent such extreme actions.
This incident underscores the critical importance of mental health awareness and support systems. Individuals experiencing severe distress or facing legal and personal challenges should have access to counseling and mental health services. Public health officials advocate for increased mental health resources and destigmatization of seeking help to prevent such tragic incidents.
Legal and Ethical Implications
From a legal perspective, attempted suicide was decriminalized in India with the enactment of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. The Act recognizes that individuals attempting suicide are under severe stress and should not be punished but rather provided with care and rehabilitation. Ethically, this approach aligns with the need for compassionate treatment of individuals in crisis.
Conclusion
Authorities have handed over Jitendra’s body to his family after the post-mortem examination. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the profound impact that unresolved personal issues can have on individuals, highlighting the need for societal awareness and intervention in matters of mental well-being.
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