Youth who attempted self-immolation outside Raman Singh's house dies in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, July 27: A 28-year-old unemployed youth who had tried to commit suicide by setting himself on fire in front of Chief Minister Raman Singh's official residence last week, succumbed to his burns at a hospital here today.

"Yogesh Kumar Sahu breathed his last at around 3.40 AM. He had sustained around 85 per cent burns," Dr Sunil Kalda, who was attending on him at Kalda Burns and Plastic Surgery Centre, Raipur, told.

A resident of Birgaon area on the outskirts of Raipur, Sahu was admitted to Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar Memorial hospital after he set himself on fire in Civil Lines area here on July 21 during Singh's 'Jandarshan' programme (public grievance redressal meet). Subsequently, he was admitted to Kalda hospital for advanced treatment.

Later, the CM had announced the state government will bear his medical expenses.
According to police, the economic condition of Sahu's family was not good and he had been trying to get a job but failed, which probably prompted him to take the extreme step.

The CM expressed condolences over Sahu's demise and assured to extend all possible support to his family.

Terming the incident as "very sad" and "unfortunate", Singh said, "Human life is precious. Youth should never get disappointed in their life and be prepared to take on every challenge.

The state government has been running several schemes for self-employment of the youth and they should take advantage."

Two days back, Rs one lakh was sanctioned from the Chief Minister's relief Fund for Sahu's treatment.
After a discussion with his family, every possible assistance will be provided to them further, the CM said.

Chhattisgarh is the first state in the country to have provided right to skill development to youths. Livelihood colleges have been opened in all 27 districts of the state where free residential skill development training is being imparted to youth, he said.

Besides, district employment office in every district has been directed to hold weekly self-employment guidance and placement camp in their respective areas, Singh said.

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress demanded government job for a kin of the deceased and compensation to his family.

"We pray that almighty gives his (Sahu) family the strength to withstand this tragic moment. We are with them," Congress state general secretary Shailesh Nitin Trivedi said.

The state government should provide job to a kin of the deceased and a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to his family, Trivedi said, adding that if the government failed to do so, a massive protest will be staged by his party.

PTI