Berhampur/ Cuttack: A youth is battling for life with 70% burns after a self-immolation bid at Mentu Chhaka under Bada Bazaar police station limits in Odisha’s Berhampur.
Ironically, the victim, identified as Suraj Sahu, poured petrol and set himself ablaze at around 10 pm on World Suicide Prevention Day. Locals rushed to douse the flames and also poured water on him. The 25-year-old was then rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital here in an ambulance.
Prior to taking the extreme step. Suraj had reportedly posted a cryptic message on social media. “If something happens to me, no one is responsible,” his Instagram update read.
Berhampur SP and other senior officials visited the spot and enquired about his health at the MKCG MCH. Suraj was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack this morning as his condition deteriorated.
Though the reason as to why he took the drastic step remains unclear, police are interrogating his family members to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had sent out a message to the youths of the state, reporting around 16 suicide deaths every day. “On this occasion, I would like to appeal to everyone, especially youths, that ‘the life given by God is priceless. There is no such problem in life for which there is no solution. The government is always by your side to solve all the small and big problems you are facing.”
He also mentioned the launch of ‘Jeevan Zindabad’ programme to create awareness among people. “Suicide is not the path to a solution; it is a weak mindset. To prevent suicide, our government has launched the statewide ‘Jeevan Zindabad’ programme. “Let us take a pledge – to overcome problems, to love life, and to work together to create widespread social awareness for the prevention of suicide”.