Crime is growing increasingly brazen in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and a chilling incident in the Thatipur area overnight has shaken the entire city. Three men who arrived on a Bullet to buy petrol got into an argument over the price, then poured the fuel over a watchman and set him on fire with a lighter. When the young man's father rushed in to save him, the flames engulfed him too. Both were severely burnt and are now in hospital, with the son in critical condition.
How the deadly dispute began
Akash Sengar, a resident of PNT Colony, works as a watchman at an auto stand next to a petrol pump near Mayur Market, which falls under the Thatipur police station. At a travel agency close to the same stand, his father, Ramchandra Sengar, is posted as a guard. Late last night, with the petrol pump shut, Akash was on duty when three men pulled up on a Bullet. Akash also sold petrol on the sly under the cover of his watchman's job. The men wanted to buy fuel from him, but a row broke out over the price. The argument quickly turned into a brawl, and the men began assaulting Akash.
ATM guard stabbed, then the fire was lit
Seeing Akash being beaten, a nearby ATM guard stepped in to help, but the attackers were in no mood to relent. One of them reportedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the guard, leaving him wounded. The men then emptied a bottle of petrol over Akash's body and set him ablaze with a lighter. Hearing the screams, Akash's father Ramchandra reached the spot and was himself badly burnt while trying to pull his son to safety. After carrying out the attack, all three fled the scene on the Bullet.
Akash 35 percent burnt, condition critical
Local residents rushed the badly burnt father and son to the trauma centre at Jayarogya Hospital, from where they were referred to the burn unit. Akash has suffered burns to nearly 35 percent of his body, leaving his condition serious. As soon as police were informed, they reached the spot, examined the scene, and then went to the hospital to gather full details from the injured pair.
Two accused detained, one still on the run
Akash had identified one of the attackers, named as Dolly Gurjar, a resident of Dullpur. Police have registered a case against Dolly Gurjar and two others. According to the latest information, police detained two of the accused this afternoon and are questioning them. The third accused is still absconding, and a search is on to trace him.
