Bengaluru, 23 NOV

An auto driver set himself ablaze after being stopped during a drink-and-drive check in Karnataka's Chitradurga district on the night of 22 November.

The incident took place at the Mahatma Gandhi circle when the police reportedly seized the driver, Thippeswamy's auto during the inspection. When officers asked him to undergo the breath analysis test, he allegedly refused and began arguing. Moments later, he attempted to set himself on fire.

Police officials said the driver initially intended to pour petrol on the ground. However, since he was holding a bottle of petrol and some fuel had spilled onto his T-shirt, the fire spread to his clothes. He sustained severe burn injuries and was immediately rushed to a hospital. According to doctors, the auto driver sustained nearly 70 per cent burnt and he condition continued to be critical.

A video that has gone viral, showed the police issuing instructions to the driver to sit inside his vehicle and questioning him about driving under the influence of alcohol. They also warned him that his reckless driving could cause an accident.

Thippeswamy can also be heard admitting he had consumed alcohol in the video. However, he also acused the police of holding his collar.

Meanwhile, the police have registered a case against Thippeswamy for attempting to commit suicide with a specific intent and to compel or restrain a public servant from performing his official duty. Agencies