A 22-year-old man, Akash Sengar, in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior district, suffered serious burn injuries after being set on fire by three youths at Thatipur intersection over a petrol price dispute. The victim is currently receiving treatment at the Trauma Centre, with one suspect in custody while two others are still at large. The incident unfolded late on Tuesday at the Thatipur police station’s jurisdiction, where Akash, a Hazira PHE Colony resident, was selling petrol to commuters near an auto-rickshaw stand.
Local police reported that the altercation began when the three youths on a Bullet motorcycle demanded fuel at a reduced price, which Akash declined. This refusal led to a confrontation, during which the suspects physically attacked Akash, doused him in petrol, and ignited the flames with a lighter before trying to escape. Upon hearing his cries, nearby residents rushed to his aid, extinguishing the fire. An ATM guard who assisted in the rescue also sustained minor injuries.
CSP Atul Soni confirmed the incident, stating that Akash was promptly taken to the Trauma Centre for medical care. Although initial reports from locals suggested 60% burns, police assessments revealed burns covering approximately 34% of his body. One suspect has been apprehended, with authorities actively pursuing the remaining two individuals. The police have filed an attempted murder case against Dolly Gurjar and two unidentified associates, with ongoing scrutiny of CCTV footage to piece together the events and identify all involved parties.
