Man sets himself on fire during live TV show

On Monday night, a young man identified as Durgesh from Mau district in India, has set himself on fire and embraced a BSP leader in Uttar Pradesh's Sultanpur town during a live TV debate on the Lok Sabha election, police said on Tuesday.

During the debate between leaders of various political parties, a young man drenched in petrol stepped out and set himself on fire.

He then rushed towards Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Kamruzzama Fauji and embraced him.

The man and the BSP leader sustained serious injuries.

Police said Durgesh suffered 95 percent burns while Kamruzzama Fauji sustained 75 percent burns.

Both were rushed to the trauma centre in Lucknow, where their condition is stated to be critical.

Both the victims are battling for their lives, a doctor told IANS.

Congress leader Ram Kumar Singh and another leader Chowdhary Hriday Ram Verma also sustained minor burn injuries while trying to save them.

Police so far do not know the reason behind the extreme step.