Elderly Dalit Woman's Self-Immolation Attempt Prevented in Rohtas
Woman self-immolation bid foiled in Rohtas
Image: The Times Of India
An 80-year-old Dalit woman, Suhagini Kunwar, attempted self-immolation with her four grandchildren at the Kargahar block office in Rohtas, Bihar, India, due to alleged inaction on her financial assistance requests. Locals intervened to save them, highlighting the family's dire situation following the deaths of Kunwar's son and daughter-in-law.
- 01Suhagini Kunwar has been struggling to support her four grandchildren after the death of her son and daughter-in-law two-and-a-half years ago.
- 02She has made multiple applications for assistance under the Kabir Antyeshti and Parivarik Labh schemes, which remain pending.
- 03Kunwar submitted a written notice to the Block Development Officer (BDO) on April 3, warning of extreme action if her grievances were not addressed.
- 04Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred in front of block officials and police, but no immediate help was provided.
- 05Block Development Officer Ajit Kumar stated that the delay in processing payments was due to pending verification reports.
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In a distressing incident in Rohtas, Bihar, an 80-year-old Dalit woman named Suhagini Kunwar attempted self-immolation on Thursday, bringing her four grandchildren to the Kargahar block office to protest the lack of financial assistance from authorities. Kunwar, who has been raising her grandchildren alone since the death of her son and daughter-in-law two-and-a-half years ago, set her saree on fire in a desperate act of despair. Fortunately, locals intervened quickly, rescuing all five from the flames. Eyewitnesses noted that the event unfolded in the presence of block officials and police, yet no immediate action was taken by them. Kunwar has faced ongoing financial hardships and has repeatedly sought help through applications under the Kabir Antyeshti and Parivarik Labh schemes, which remain unresolved. She had warned the Block Development Officer (BDO) in a written notice dated April 3, indicating that she would take drastic measures if her situation was not addressed. The BDO, Ajit Kumar, acknowledged the delays, attributing them to pending verification reports but assured that payments would be processed soon.
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This incident highlights the urgent need for social welfare support for vulnerable families, particularly in rural areas where access to assistance is often delayed.
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