A police constable allegedly attempted to commit suicide by setting himself on fire in Balodabazar district, but was rescued by his colleague, police said on Sunday.
The incident took place Saturday night when the constable, Yagya Sahu doused himself in petrol which he took out from his motorcycle, and set himself ablaze, said JR Thakur, Balodabazar Additional Superintendent of Police.
Sahu's colleague constable Ramkripal Sahu who tried to put out the flames, was also injured, police said. Both the constables were shifted to hospital in Raipur.
"Yagya has sustained 90 per cent burns and his condition is said to be very critical. Ramkripal is reported to be out of danger", Thakur informed.
The trigger behind the extreme step taken by Yagya is being investigated. A case has been registered and further probe is underway.