Daijiworld Media Network - Gwalior
Gwalior, Jun 24: A disagreement over the price of petrol turned violent in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district after a 22-year-old man was allegedly set on fire by three youths at the Thatipur intersection, police said on Wednesday.
The victim, Akash Sengar, sustained serious burn injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a Trauma Centre. Police have arrested one accused, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining two suspects.
The incident took place late on Tuesday within the jurisdiction of the Thatipur police station.
According to investigators, Akash, a resident of Hazira PHE Colony, was selling petrol to commuters near an auto-rickshaw stand when three youths arrived on a Bullet motorcycle and allegedly demanded fuel at a lower price.
When Akash refused to sell the petrol at the rate they wanted, an argument reportedly broke out.
Police said the three men then allegedly assaulted him, poured petrol over his body and set him on fire using a lighter before attempting to flee the scene.
Hearing his cries for help, local residents rushed to his aid and managed to extinguish the flames. An ATM security guard who intervened during the rescue operation also suffered minor injuries.
Confirming the incident, CSP Atul Soni said Akash was immediately shifted to the Trauma Centre for medical treatment.
While some local residents initially claimed that he had suffered nearly 60 per cent burn injuries, police said the medical assessment indicated a lower percentage.
“Akash has sustained burns on approximately 34 per cent of his body. He is receiving treatment, and his condition is being closely monitored. One accused has been arrested, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other two,” Soni said.
Police have registered an attempted murder case against Dolly Gurjar and two unidentified accomplices.
Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from the area to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify everyone involved in the attack.
Further investigation is underway.