Sensation prevailed in Bhandara on Friday when a worker of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tried to immolate self in presence of Minister for Energy and Guardian Minister of Nagpur district Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
According to reports, Arun Bhede, former councillor and leader of Mali (Gardner) community tried to set himself ablaze to get his demand for removal of encroachment from government land fulfilled.
A bhoomipujan programme of water supply works and distribution of aid to the beneficiaries by the Workers’ Welfare Board was organised in Bhandara on Friday. Bawankule was the chief guest at the programme.
While the programme was going on, Bhede suddenly arrived on the stage, poured kerosene on his person and tried to immolate self in presence of Bawankule. Those present on the stage rushed to Bhede and brought him down from the stage. The police were called at the venue immediately, who took him into custody.
It may be mentioned that a week ago, Bhede demanding removal of encroachment from government land had submitted a memorandum to the district administration threatening self-immolation. Friday’s incident created chaos for sometime after which the programme went on smoothly.
A BJP worker trying to end his life before a minister from his own party was the issue being discussed in the entire district throughout the day.
