Sacked Odisha home guard who attempted self-immolation succumbs

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Cuttack, Sep 11:

After battling for life for nine days, the sacked home guard—who had attempted self-immolation in front of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s residence—succumbed to his burn injuries in the wee hours today.

Sandeep Hati was yesterday shifted to intensive care unit (ICU) of Trauma care centre of SCB Medical College and Hospital as his condition turned critical. However, he breathed his last in the wee hours today.

The 45-year-old identified as Sandeep Hati was admitted to burn ward of the government-run premier referral hospital after being referred by Capital Hospital on September 3.

Hati had sustained 65 per cent burn injuries and was undergoing treatment here. However, he was shifted to the ICU of Trauma care centre of the hospital today as his condition deteriorated.

A dejected Hati had set himself  afire by pouring kerosene all over his body near Palashpalli at around 12.10 am on September 3 and ran towards Naveen Nivas, the residence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. He was rescued by security personnel deployed in front of the CM’s residence after they spotted smoke billowing near the campus.

He was immediately rushed to Capital Hospital for treatment. Later that day, he was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital as his condition turned grave.

“In 2013, many home guards were dismissed from job for participating in a rally, which was seen as an act of revolt against the government. But I was not dismissed then. Order of my dismissal came two months later. I don’t know why I was dismissed,” Hati had told media persons.

He kept approaching officials for his reinstatement, but his pleas went unheard following which he resorted to the extreme step.