Retd teacher tries to immolate self

LUCKNOW: Syed Hasan Rizvi, a retired primary teacher, tried to immolate himself at the primary education office, alleging corruption by the finance and accounts officer of basic education department, on Wednesday. Rizvi was saved by other officials present in the office.
Speaking to reporters, Rizvi alleged finance and accounts officer, Ashutosh Chaturvedi of bribery since the past four months.According to Rizvi, who retired on June 30 from a government junior high school in Madiaon, Chaturvedi had asked for Rs 20,000 to initiate his pension proceedings. Rizvi alleged when he went to basic education office on Wednesday, Chaturvedi again demanded money.When Rizvi refused to pay, the officer reportedly denied doing his work. Chaturvedi, however, said Rizvi on Wednesday sought pension details. During conversation, he took out a bottle of petrol and poured on himself, said Chaturvedi. Rizvi's pension file had already been sent to the additional director, basic education, he added. This is not the first time when Chaturvedi has been accused of bribery.