Lucknow: Tension prevailed outside the Samajwadi Party (SP) headquarters on Wednesday after a 48-year-old man from Aligarh, identified as Yogendra alias Bobby, set himself ablaze, alleging harassment and land-grabbing attempts by relatives of SP MLA Shamiem Ahmad. According to eyewitnesses, Yogendra arrived at the party office carrying a bottle of petrol in his pocket, poured it over himself, and ignited the fire.

Bystanders Act Swiftly, Victim in Critical Condition

Chaos erupted as bystanders rushed to his aid, using blankets to extinguish the flames. Police immediately shifted Yogendra to Lucknow’s Civil Hospital, where doctors confirmed that he had sustained nearly 80% burns and remains in a critical condition.

Before collapsing, Yogendra reportedly told police and media that he had been facing extortion and threats from individuals linked to the MLA and that he had filed multiple complaints since 2020 but no action had been taken.

A letter addressed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak was recovered from him, detailing allegations of assault, intimidation, and police negligence.

Reacting to the incident, SP president Akhilesh Yadav accused the ruling BJP government of fostering an environment of despair and demanded quality medical treatment and justice for the victim.