RTI Activist Faces Charges Under BNS for Attempting Suicide to Pressure Officials

A Right to Information activist, Srikrishna Mankar, has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for attempting suicide to coerce city officials into addressing illegal constructions. The attempt falls under sections 132 and 226 of the BNS, carrying a potential one-year prison sentence, fine, or community service.

A Right to Information activist, Srikrishna Mankar, has been charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly attempting suicide to pressure municipal officials, police reported on Friday.

The act of attempting suicide to compel or restrain any public servant from performing official duties is an offence under section 226 of the recently enacted BNS. This offence can result in up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or community service.

On Thursday, Mankar and his associate entered the cabin of the additional commissioner of the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, threatening to end his life if illegal constructions in the area were not demolished. According to senior inspector Shankar Awtade of the Central police station, Mankar attempted to drink poison from a bottle he brought with him.

Security personnel promptly intervened, preventing Mankar from consuming the poison. During the scuffle, Mankar sustained injuries and was admitted to the hospital.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against both Mankar and his associate under sections 132 and 226 of the BNS. However, no arrests have been made thus far.