Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu

Jammu, Nov 16: Three officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Irrigation Department have been arrested after a 55-year-old helper died following an alleged self-immolation, reportedly driven by constant mental harassment by his seniors.

The deceased, Puran Chand of R S Pura, was found with severe burn injuries in fields along the Ring Road at Prithvipur village on Monday. Alerted by passersby, police rushed him to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police identified the arrested officials as Surjeet Kumar and Ram Murti, both in-charge ziladars, and Girdhari Lal, an amin in the department.

The investigation is being led by the SHO of Miran Sahib Police Station. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team also inspected the scene and collected scientific samples.

Police said CCTV footage from Chand’s route on his motorcycle showed him stopping at a petrol pump in R S Pura, where he filled a plastic container with petrol before heading towards the location where he was later found.

Based on circumstantial and technical evidence, police allege that Chand took the extreme step after enduring mental harassment at work, including withholding of several months’ salary.

With three officials under arrest, police said further investigation is underway.