Almora, October 30: Tensions escalated in Almora on Monday as students of Soban Singh Jeena University continued their protests demanding student union elections. The protest took a serious turn when Deepak Lohani, a student leader and candidate for the Tiger Group’s presidential post, attempted self-immolation by pouring petrol on himself amid a police blockade. Quick intervention by the police, fire brigade personnel, and fellow students prevented a tragic outcome, but Deepak sustained burns on 20-25% of his body. He is currently receiving treatment at the district hospital.
Earlier, Amit Bisht, another candidate for the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), had also threatened self-immolation if election dates were not announced. Amit’s attempt was foiled by the police, who detained him briefly before releasing him with a minor charge.
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Two days prior, Amit Bisht had issued a warning that he would set himself on fire outside Gandhi Park in Chaughanpata if election dates remained undecided. As the deadline approached, Amit arrived at the park around 1:27 PM on Monday, wearing a black cloth on his head and accompanied by other students. When he attempted to pour petrol on himself, police acted swiftly, detaining him before any harm was done.
Meanwhile, Deepak Lohani emerged from the crowd, dousing himself with petrol hidden in a bottle, and set himself on fire. His hands and abdomen suffered burns before police and fire brigade personnel extinguished the flames. Two other students also sustained minor burns during the rescue attempt.
Deepak is being treated at the district hospital, where doctors have reported his condition as stable. Student leaders initially requested that he be transferred to another hospital, but doctors deemed his condition safe for local treatment. SSP Devendra Pincha stated that Deepak’s condition is out of danger and added that legal action would be taken based on current laws, with further assessment of new provisions.
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The scene became even more distressing when Deepak’s younger sister, who was present at the protest, tried to extinguish the flames on her brother’s body. She cried for help as she desperately attempted to save him. Deepak’s sister is also a student at SSJ and had been supporting his campaign in the elections.
