FIR of murder lodged in immolation case

Police lodged an FIR of murder on Saturday in the immolation of a 35-year-old man, Ved Prakash Tiwari, on the city outskirts in Malihabad the previous day. Tiwari died after being set ablaze under mysterious circumstances inside his house.

The FIR was lodged following allegations of the deceased’s mother, Kamini Tiwari, who alleged Ved had been set ablaze by his neighbour Rahul over a monetary dispute. She alleged that Rahul sneaked into the house in Malihabad’s Amaniganj village on Friday afternoon when she was not present and set her son on fire. Ved’s wife Mamta along with his 18-month daughter too was at her parents’ house for the past few months.

According to Kamini, her son had borrowed ` 25,000 from Rahul but was unable to return it. Rahul had threatened him with dire consequences only two days ago, she added.

Malihabad police station incharge Amit Tomar said, “Police have registered an FIR, as the deceased’s mother suspected foul play and alleged Rahul’s role behind the incident. However, further probe in the case is on.” He said the initial probe had not yet established the allegations of the deceased’s mother.

Tomar said forensic experts would be asked to visit the house now and determine whether a person could commit such a crime in the manner alleged by the victim’s mother without being spotted by the neighbours.

The cop also said the victim’s house was surrounded by other houses and many people were present nearby at the time of the incident. Villagers had seen the deceased running out of the house engulfed in flames. Ved’s mother had put a blanket on him and rushed him to civil hospital, where he later died.