Son dies after father sets him on fire over financial dispute

NT Correspondent

A 25-year-old youth succumbed to burn injuries at Victoria Hospital early Thursday, after he was set on fire by his own father a week ago. The horrific incident had taken place at Azad Nagar near Chamarajpet police station limits on April 1.

Police said the victim Arpit was pursuing Chartered Accountancy, but discontinued the course for unknown reasons. His father, Surendra, 51, who runs a building fabrication business, was also upset that Arpit was showing little interest in his business.

Police sources said that Surendra, who hails from Rajasthan, was dominant towards his children, and used to frequently reprimand Arpit for laidback attitude. Surendra had two children, and Arpit was the eldest.

It was revealed that on April 1, Arpit committed some error in calculation which led to a loss of Rs 12,000. When Surendra came to know about it, he took his son outside his house, poured thinner and set him on fire.

Bengaluru police have procured the heart wrenching CCTV footage of the incident, which showed Arpit pleading with his father to forgive him.

After being engulfed in flames, Arpit, was rescued by passersby and others, who doused the flames and rushed him to the Victoria Hospital.

According to Victoria Hospital sources, Surendra had initially claimed that his son had tried to commit suicide.

However, police have taken Surendra into custody and are currently interrogating him. “A case has been filed against the father and investigation is underway,” police said.