RPF constable makes abortive suicide bid

Varanasi, Jan 12 (UNI) A Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable posted at the Diesel Locomotive Workshop (DLW) here today made an abortive suicide bid allegedly due to departmental problems.

Agitated over the incident, RPF jawans later staged a protest outside the DLW hospital demanding suspension and transfer of Senior RPF Commandant Anjani Sinha, who they alleged was resposible for the incident.

RPF sources said Sheikh Tabrez (32) tried to commit suicide by cutting his wrist with a broken glass near the RPF post on the main gate of DLW. He was immediately rushed to DLW hospital and admitted at the ICU.

''He is out of danger now and we are keeping a close watch on his condition,'' Hospital Chief Medical Superintendent A K Srivastava told newspersons.

RPF jawans present oustide the hospital alleged Mr Tabrez resorted to the extreme step due to problems with Mr Sinha.

''Mr Tabrez had applied for 10 days' leave on December 30 and the Senior Commandant orally sanctioned the leave. When he returned from leave on January 10, Mr Sinha marked him absent for nine days saying he was only given rest for one day on January 1. He also did not allow Mr Tabrez to join duty following which the constable was worried about his duties and tried to end his life,''DLW RPF Association president Kamlesh Yadav alleged.

Agitated by the incident, RPF personnel staged a protest oustide the hospital, demanding suspension and transfer of the Senior Commandant. The personnel even struck work at the RPF mess.

''We will not compromise with official duties, but will certainly not let the RPF mess function until Mr Sinha is suspended and transfered,'' Mr Yadav added.

Mr Sinha, however, denied all allegations and instead alleged he was held captive inside the office of Hospital Chief Medical Superintendent by RPF jawans.

Getting information, Chief Project Manager of RPF DLW L K Behera reached the spot. Efforts were on to defuse the situation.

UNI