Upset over the tardy progress in an FIR lodged by him against his neighbours under the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe Act, a Dalit poured petrol on himself outside the office of the superintendent of police and set himself on fire.

The incident took place on Wednesday and the victim, identified as Chandra Pasi (28), is currently receiving treatment at the Unnao district hospital for serious burns.

Additional Superintendent of Police Akhilesh Singh stated that the police are addressing his grievances and ensuring that Chandra receives the best possible treatment.

Chandra Pasi had lodged an FIR on October 18 against his neighbours under the SC/ST Act and other sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to violence, attack and use of caste slurs. He named Munir, Sabir, Anees, Mumtaz and Sabiha in his FIR.

During the investigation by Purva Circle Officer Deepak Singh, two individuals were given the clean chit as evidence did not support the inclusion of their names in the FIR.

This decision angered the complainant, who arrived at the office of the superintendent of police on Wednesday afternoon with a blanket wrapped around him. He doused himself with petrol and set himself ablaze, screaming about police tampering with the evidence. Some visitors immediately doused the fire but the victim had already received critical burn injuries and was rushed to the district hospital.

On getting information, District Magistrate Apoorva Dubey and other officials reached the hospital and met the complainant. They assured the family of a fair investigation into the case and to initiate legal proceedings if any officer was found to have tampered with evidence or helped the accused to get scot free.