Man sets himself on fire over bribe demand

A young man attempted to immolate himself outside a lawmaker's office after officials demanded Rs 20,000 bribe.

The victim, identified as M Srinivas, a farmer from Karimnagar sought to claim land being distributed by the Telangana government to Dalit, or low-caste, underprivileged farmers.

However, the officer allegedly demanded a bribe in order to make the land tranfer. After waiting for hours to meet a politician in this regard, Srinivas got upset and doused himself with kerosene, setting himself on fire.

His condition is said to be critical as he suffered 60 percent burns. Another farmer, Parshuramulu, who tried to save him, also suffered burn injuries but is in a stable condition and is recovering in the hospital.