NEW DELHI: Two Delhi Police constables set a man ablaze in Khanpur, south Delhi, after he refused to comply with their extortion demands, the victim’s family has alleged. Police say the man, who is battling for after being brought to Safdarjung hospital on Saturday with 85% burns, tried to immolate himself.

Police, however, have not denied that the two constables named by the family allegedly demanded Rs 20,000 from the victim’s son for allowing him to ply his autorickshaw in the area. The two cops have been suspended and an inquiry ordered into the allegations.

The condition of the victim, Uday Chand, 48, was stated to be critical on Sunday. An FIR has been registered under sections of abetment to suicide, extortion and attempt to murder. Police said the last provision would be applied on the two cops if they are found guilty of setting the man ablaze.

Chand’s son Naveen alleged that the two constables, identified by him as Rajkumar and Surendra, had been asking him to cough up Rs 20,000. They alleged stopped his vehicle on Friday evening as well at the police booth in Khanpur JJ colony (gate No.1) and reiterated their demand.

On Saturday, the cops allegedly beat him up. Naveen then called up the PCR and told them about the extortion bid. Naveen said a police van arrived at the scene. Since he was hurt and needed treatment, Naveen asked to cops to take him to hospital but the two constables did not allow him to be moved, the auto driver alleged.

The 28-year-old then called his father, Uday, a taxi driver. Uday came and tried to reason with the constables. He also offered to pay the money in instalments. “But they wanted the entire amount then and there,” said Naveen.

An altercation broke out between Uday and the two constables, during which they took him behind a parked truck while a third constable posted at the booth tried to convince Naveen to take back his complaint. “Suddenly, I saw my father in flames and the two constables fleeing the spot,” said Naveen. Locals managed to douse the flames and Uday was taken to Safdarjung hospital in the autorickshaw.

Angry locals later came out on the streets, demanding action against the culprits. A police team from Neb Sarai had to set up barricades in the area to control the situation.

“On the basis of complaint of the victim’s son, we have registered an FIR promptly and both the officers have been suspended, pending investigations,” said B S Jaiswal, DCP, south district. He added that the investigation had been handed over to the Mehrauli police station to ensure speedy trial.

Senior police officials who rushed to the spot said that they were verifying the allegations made by the family.

