56-year-old labourer tries to light self on fire outside Mantralaya gate, detained
Gulab was detained by security officials before he could immolate himself (Representational Image)
A 56-year-old man allegedly tried to commit suicide by immolating himself outside the Maharashtra secretariat in Mumbai’s Fort area on Friday afternoon.
According to preliminary information, Gulab Maruti Shingari poured kerosene on himself in front of the Mantralaya gate. However, security officials managed to detain him before he could do any harm.
Gulab is currently in the custody of Marine Drive police, who are trying to probe what led him to take the extreme step. Further details about the same are awaited.
Update:
The labourer from Nashik told police that he decided to end his life as the Police Patil in his village tried to usurp his land.
The Mantralaya has witnessed multiple suicide attempts and deaths in recent months, prompting the Maharashtra government to take preventive steps.
Last month, a safety net – similar to the one seen at construction sites of skyscrapers – was installed to prevent suicide attempts inside the high-security zone. Apart from the net, some windows were permanently shut and grills were installed at certain places.
Recent Cases:
In January, 84-year-old farmer Dharma Patil consumed rat poison at Mantralaya to protest against the low compensation paid by the government for his land. He died at the JJ Hospital on January 28.
On February 7, 32-year-old Avinash Shete tried to commit suicide outside the Maharashtra secretariat over failing to clear the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examination. He was detained.
A day later, a murder convict on parole had jumped to death from the second floor of the Mantralaya’s main lobby. The safety net was installed immediately after.
All incidents came despite stringent security and screening measures implemented at all the entry points in Mantralaya.
