Woman self-immolation bid foiled in Rohtas

Sasaram: An 80-year-old Dalit woman allegedly attempted self-immolation along with her four grandchildren on the Kargahar block office premises in Rohtas on Thursday, accusing authorities of inaction on her repeated pleas for financial assistance. The woman, identified as Suhagini Kunwar of Amwalia village, set her saree on fire and tried to carry the children with her into the flames. Locals present at the spot intervened and rescued all five, preventing a tragedy.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the incident unfolded in front of block officials and police personnel, but immediate intervention from authorities was not forthcoming. Some onlookers were also seen recording videos, they claimed.

Kunwar said her son and daughter-in-law died about two-and-a-half years ago, leaving behind four children — Tappu Musahar (8), Amarjeet Musahar (6), Preeti Kumari (4), and one-and-a-half-year-old Pratima Kumari. She has since been raising them amid financial hardship.

She alleged that despite multiple visits to block and district offices, her applications under the Kabir Antyeshti and Parivarik Labh schemes remained pending. She further claimed that even funeral assistance was not provided after the deaths of her son and daughter-in-law.

According to her, the family is struggling for basic sustenance and the children often go without adequate food. She said she had submitted a written notice to the BDO on April 3, warning of extreme action if her grievances were not addressed.

Block development officer Ajit Kumar said the matter was old and assured that payments under the pending schemes would be processed after verification of records. He attributed the delay to pending reports.