Man threatens to set himself on fire if India vs England T20Is continue amid COVID-19

In a bizarre turn of events, a man threatened to immolate himself if the ongoing T20I series between India and England was not cancelled. The police has launched an investigation into the matter after the man called a police inspector, who is a part of the security arrangement for the series in Ahmedabad, and told him about his plans.

The five-match T20I series got underway on March 12 and the first two games witnessed huge crowd turnout at the Narendra Modi Stadium. But on Monday, the Gujarat Cricket Association confirmed that the last three T20Is would be played in an empty stadium. GCA also announced that it would refund the money to the spectators, who have purchased tickets.

The man, however, wanted the entire series to be cancelled in the wake of the rising COVID-19 cases. According to the police, an FIR was lodged at Chandkheda police station in Ahmedabad after the man, identifying himself as Pankaj Patel from Gandhinagar, called up senior police inspector KV Patel of Chandkheda PS on March 12 and threatened to immolate himself if the T20 matches between India and England continued.

Man threatens to end his life

Last week, an audio clip of the purported conversation between the caller and the police inspector surfaced on social media. In the clip, Pankaj could be heard asking the officer whether the coronavirus-related guidelines issued by the state government were being followed at the stadium for spectators. As the officer purportedly says social-distancing guidelines are not being followed, the caller demands that the ongoing matches be cancelled.

The man then threatened to end his life while pointing out that more than 75,000 people are attending the matches at the stadium which can pose a health risk. He also abused Gujarat Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister while expressing his displeasure over the arrangement at the stadium. The Police have booked the accused under IPC sections 505 (2) for trying to promote enmity, hatred, or ill will between classes, 504 for intentional insult, and 507 for criminal intimidation through anonymous communication.

“The man had called on my cell phone on March 12 and threatened to immolate himself if the matches are held. He also used abusive words for the Gujarat government, the Chief Minister, and the Deputy Chief Minister. When I asked his name, he told me he is Pankaj Patel from Gandhinagar. I immediately called up Gandhinagar police control room and shared his phone number with the officials,” K V Patel stated in the FIR, according to Indian Express.

Talking about the series, England are currently leading it by 2-1. The visitors thrashed India by eight wickets on Tuesday to take the lead in the five-match series. The fourth and penultimate game will take place on March 18.