Rajasthan Government Official Sets Himself on Fire Over Work Stress; Critical Condition

According to police, an administrative officer in a government school in Didwana-Kuchaman district in Rajasthan attempted to take his own life due to work pressure on Monday.

The incident took place in the veranda of the Government Higher Secondary School in Makrana area where Mr. Ramavtar Sharma (58), an administrative officer was on duty.

Mr. Sharma arrived at school premises carrying a plastic bottle containing petrol, police officer said.

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He poured petrol on himself and set himself on fire in the school premises, stated Station House Officer (SHO) Suresh Soni.

A lady sweeper who was sweeping nearby saw him burning and raised an alarm, alerting other staff.

She rushed outside crying for help. Local residents and school staff took eMr. Sharma to the government sub-district hospital on motorcycle, Soni said. Javed Alam who was serving there in the sub-district hospital said Mr. Sharma was given first-aid.

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"Due to the severity of burns and his critical condition, he was referred to Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Ajmer for advanced treatment," he said.

According to preliminary investigation Mr. Sharma was under pressure to update records of the department and to complete administrative work.

Inquiry has been initiated and the statements of others members of staff and family are being taken to ascertain the facts and the circumstances that lead to the suicide attempt, they added.

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