A money dispute that had been festering for months between two brothers in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, suddenly turned life-threatening near the Murar police station area, when the younger sibling doused himself and their shared loading vehicle in petrol and set both alight, apparently in a bid to end his own life.
Roots of the Conflict
Elder brother Pawan Jatav and his younger brother Ranjeet Jatav both earn their livelihood from the same loading vehicle. The two had been at odds for quite some time, clashing repeatedly over financial transactions and Pawan's practice of leaving Ranjeet behind when he went out for work. On the day of the incident, those unresolved grievances boiled over into yet another heated confrontation.
Petrol, Flames and Instant Panic
As the argument spiralled out of control, Ranjeet grabbed a bottle of petrol that was close at hand. He first splashed fuel over the loading vehicle and set it ablaze. Moments later, he poured the remaining petrol on himself and set himself on fire as well, reportedly with suicidal intent. The instant the flames shot up, panic swept through everyone in the vicinity.
Bystanders Act Fast, Saving Both Man and Vehicle
People present at the scene did not hesitate. They rushed in and managed to smother the fire before it could cause greater harm. Their swift response saved Ranjeet's life and also prevented the loading vehicle from being completely destroyed. Ranjeet was then taken to the district hospital for initial treatment, where doctors confirmed that his condition was out of danger. Footage of the terrifying episode has since been circulating rapidly on social media.
Police Launch Investigation
Police have taken cognizance of the matter and begun scrutinising the viral footage as part of their inquiry. Officers are speaking with both brothers in an effort to defuse tensions and restore calm. No formal complaint has been lodged so far; however, the station in-charge has dispatched personnel to the scene to verify the facts on the ground. Several witnesses are being questioned and statements from family members are being recorded.
A Family Member's Account
A younger brother of Ranjeet, the man who set the fire, offered his own version of what happened:
He always picks fights. He even abuses our parents. Today he set the vehicle on fire right in front of me, so I went and put it out.
