KARACHI: A rickshaw driver suffered serious burns on Saturday after he set himself on fire near the city police office in Saddar in protest against the alleged extortion by traffic police.

Khalid sprinkled oil on his body and set himself alight, saying he was ‘fed up’ with daily challan and alleged ‘extortion’ by the traffic police.

In his statement being shared on social media, Khalid alleged that ASI Mohammed Hanif had been extracting Rs100 from him daily. He gave the policeman Rs50 on Saturday, but the latter insisted on Rs100 and on refusal the ASI handed him a challan.

The rickshaw driver was admitted to the Burns Centre of Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital for treatment.

Sindh IGP Dr Syed Kaleem Imam took notice of the incident. He ordered the DIG traffic to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a report to him.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2018