Cuttack, Feb 9: A 29-year-old youth who allegedly attempted self-immolation in Banki has died on Monday while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, a source said.

The deceased was identified as Amiya Ranjan Singh from Bishnupur village under Ostia panchayat in Banki police limits.

Our source from the ground informed that the incident took place Sunday afternoon when Amiya allegedly poured petrol on himself and set himself ablaze. He was first rushed to Athagarh Sub Divisional and later shifted to SCB Medical College, Cuttack, after his condition deteriorated.

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Family Cites Job-Related Distress
According to information shared by his family, Amiya’s father had been employed in the Ground Water Development Department in Cuttack and had passed away in 2019. Since then, Amiya had reportedly been seeking appointment on compassionate grounds in his father’s position.

His brother said, “For the past six years, he had been running from pillar to post, approaching the District Collector for a job. He was deeply upset after failing to secure employment.”

Our source from the ground informed that the family alleged Amiya lost mental balance due to prolonged distress over the issue. He had suffered around 91 per cent burn injuries and was battling for life at SCB before succumbing during treatment.

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The tragic incident came to light amid a slightly declining rate of suicides in India. In 2023, a total of 171,418 suicides were reported in India, a marginal increase of 0.29% from 170,924 suicides in 2022. The suicide rate showed a marginal decline, from an all-time high of 12.4 in 2022 to 12.3 in 2023.