A 40-year-old tempo driver is battling for life after he was allegedly set on fire by an associate during a dispute over liquor in northwest Delhi’s Rohini area. Police said the accused was arrested on Monday, four days after the incident that left the victim with severe burn injuries.
The victim, identified as Rakesh, has sustained around 60 per cent burns and is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS. Investigators said the incident took place in Vijay Vihar, where the two men had been drinking together before the situation escalated into violence.
Dispute turns violent
According to The Times of India, Rakesh told them that he was consuming alcohol with the accused, identified as Mannu, when the latter demanded more liquor. When Rakesh refused, an argument broke out between the two.
The altercation soon turned aggressive, with Mannu allegedly pouring petrol on Rakesh and setting him on fire. The victim suffered extensive burns before help could reach him. A case was registered soon after, and the accused was taken into custody following an investigation.
Victim critical, probe continues
Rakesh remains in critical condition as doctors continue treatment. Police are examining the sequence of events and collecting evidence to build the case. Officials said statements from the victim and other possible witnesses are being recorded to establish the exact circumstances that led to the attack.
The incident has once again highlighted how minor disputes, especially those involving alcohol, can spiral into extreme acts of violence.
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Separate self-immolation attempt foiled
In a separate incident, a 32-year-old woman allegedly attempted to set herself on fire at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on Sunday evening. According to police, she was spotted by a security guard near the Jan Aushadhi Kendra around 5.40 pm after she had reportedly set her gown on fire using a lighter.
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The guard immediately raised an alarm and managed to douse the flames before the situation worsened. Authorities and the woman’s husband were informed, and she was provided medical attention. Police said the woman sustained minor injuries to her hands and is currently undergoing treatment in the psychiatry ward. Further details regarding the circumstances leading to the incident are being looked into.
