Brijesh Kumar Sonkar was driven to the extreme step out of sheer frustration over the lack of justice in his brother’s death and subsequent local disputes
NEW DELHI — Panic gripped the district collectorate in Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur on Monday after a Dalit youth attempted self-immolation by pouring diesel on himself right outside the District Magistrate’s office.
However, policemen and bystanders intervened, overpowering the youth averting a tragedy.
The youth, identified as Brijesh Kumar Sonkar, was driven to the extreme step out of sheer frustration over the lack of justice in his brother’s death and subsequent local disputes.
Grievances Over Legal Battles
When questioned by authorities, Sonkar explained that his brother had died during immersion ceremonies back in 2023. Seeking legal recourse, he had approached the court under Section 156(3) to register a case against the Dhaata police station (Case 16/24).
According to officials, the matter was investigated by the Khaga Sub-Divisional Officer, and a final report was eventually submitted citing a lack of evidence. Sonkar subsequently filed an objection in court against the closure report, and judicial proceedings on the miscellaneous case are currently underway.
During the interaction, Sonkar also touched upon a separate village dispute, noting that locals had previously lodged a case accusing his brother of eloping with a daughter of the family. The minor girl was later recovered, and a charge sheet was filed against his brother, who was sent to jail.
Furthermore, Sonkar alleged that he had handed over money to an individual in Nauwa Bagh under Kotwali police jurisdiction to retrieve his seized vehicle, but the person was neither returning the cash nor the vehicle. While he claimed to have filed a police post complaint regarding the financial fraud, local police stated that no formal written complaint had been received, and no verification has taken place so far.
District officials, however, said that Sonkar had never previously approached senior administration or the DM directly with his grievances.
Following the incident, the administration assured Sonkar that all his concerns would be thoroughly examined, and lawful action would be taken wherever applicable.
Officials added that while some of his grievances lean toward civil matters, police assistance and legal guidance will be extended wherever permissible under the law.
