A heartless man set his mother on fire outside a police station in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh.

The incident took place outside Khair Police Station in Aligarh district on July 16.

Visuals showed a woman was set on fire by her son outside the police station. She was engulfed in flames, which were burning fiercely. People present at the scene, along with police officers, were trying to save her by throwing blankets and dirt over her to extinguish the fire.

The woman, who sustained severe burns, was promptly referred to a higher medical center for urgent treatment. Her condition is reported to be critical.

In connection with the incident, police have detained the woman’s son, who was present at the scene. The investigation is ongoing to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic act of desperation.

CO of Khair Police station said On 16.07.24, a resolution was being facilitated between two parties regarding a family dispute. During this time, a woman’s son set her on fire. The woman was immediately sent to the hospital for treatment. The woman’s son is being interrogated. Senior officials conducted an inspection of the scene.

This incident highlights the dire state of public grievance redressal mechanisms and underscores the urgent need for reforms in how police stations handle complaints, especially those from vulnerable individuals.