A distressing incident unfolded at the globally renowned Shaktipeeth of Jwalamukhi temple in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district during the late evening hours. A 36-year-old visitor hailing from Rajasthan allegedly set himself on fire within the temple premises, suffering burn injuries across roughly 70 percent of his body. The sudden flare-up triggered immediate panic and chaos among the pilgrims and locals present at the site. Bystanders rushed forward and poured water to douse the flames before shifting the severely injured individual to a medical facility for urgent medical attention.
Details shared during ambulance transit
Emergency medical personnel attached to the 108 ambulance service, specifically pilot Sanjay and emergency medical technician Vivek Sharma, transported the burnt man to the hospital. According to the crew members, the victim remained conscious during the transit and identified himself as Ramdas, son of Gajanan, residing near the Jhalawar bus stand in ward number 18, Rajasthan. The staff noted that he managed to communicate that he had visited the temple alone to offer prayers. Although his speech faltered while attempting to recite his complete home address, he persisted in trying to state his identity despite enduring extensive burns. Doctors are closely monitoring his recovery and post-treatment condition.
Police and forensic investigation underway
Following the receipt of information regarding the incident, local law enforcement authorities initiated a thorough inquiry. A forensic team arrived at the scene to gather vital physical evidence. Investigators are currently examining whether the individual poured petrol on himself or utilized an alternative flammable liquid to start the fire. Furthermore, authorities are probing the underlying motive and the circumstances that drove him to take such an extreme step. Dehra SP Sandeep Dhaval confirmed the occurrence, stating that police are probing every possible angle connected to the case.
Past incidents near the temple premises
Local observers noted that this unfortunate episode follows prior distressing events in the vicinity. A few months earlier, another man had severed his throat using a cutter near a Shiva temple situated along the route leading to the Jwalamukhi shrine, resulting in his death. The latest occurrence inside the temple complex has sparked widespread discussion across the region. Law enforcement is simultaneously verifying whether the victim arrived at the temple entirely by himself or was accompanied by someone else.
