Man and woman set themselves on fire outside India’s top court

The couple have been rushed to a city hospital and are undergoing treatment, according to police

Arpan Rai
Monday 16 August 2021 14:08 BST
File: A man and woman allegedly set themselves on fire near the Supreme Court complex
File: A man and woman allegedly set themselves on fire near the Supreme Court complex (Reuters/File Photo)

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A man and woman set themselves on fire outside India’s top court in the national capital Delhi on Monday morning, according to several media reports.

A video circulating on social media showed two people on fire near the Supreme Court complex, as several people rushed towards them and attempted to douse the fire.

The reason behind what appeared to be a suicide attempt is not yet clear, Delhi Police said. According to the Indian Express newspaper, the authorities have recovered a canister of kerosene from the scene.

Police personnel stationed at the gates of the Supreme Court immediately rushed with blankets to douse the flames, Deepak Yadav, a deputy commissioner of the Delhi Police, told the Express.

The two were rushed to the city’s Ram Manohar Lohia hospital in a police van and are undergoing treatment, Mr Yadav said.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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