An autorickshaw driver suffered more than 50% burn injuries after he attempted to immolate himself following an argument with the traffic police in Chitradurga on Saturday (November 22) night.
Thippeswamy, a native of Malappanahatti near Chitradurga, set himself ablaze at Gandhi Circle at around 10 p.m. Locals rushed to his rescue and succeeded in dousing the fire. He was shifted to the government hospital in Chitradurga and later to a private hospital in Davangere for further treatment. According to his family members and other autorickshaw drivers, Thippeswamy attempted to end his life as he was frustrated with the traffic police, who slapped a penalty on him and took the keys of his vehicle.
The police said the traffic police stopped Thippeswamy as he was driving the wrong way. He picked up an argument with them, prompting the officials to suspect he was drunk while driving. They insisted that Thippeswamy undergo an alcohol detector test, which he refused. He then walked a short distance and from there, tried to threaten the police by pouring petrol on himself. Initially, he poured petrol on the ground and set it ablaze. As he was holding the petrol container, his body also caught fire. The video clip of the act has gone viral on social media platforms.
Ranjit Kumar Bandaru, Chitradurga Superintendent of Police, told The Hindu that the traffic police were doing their duty and that the driver created a nuisance. “We have booked a case against him under Section 226 of the BNS for attempting to die by suicide to restrain a public servant from discharging duty,” Mr. Bandaru added.
(Those in distress and facing suicidal thoughts can call the State’s helpline 104 or call the toll-free number 14416 for counselling)
Published – November 23, 2025 07:37 pm IST
