Guna youth dies after alleging cop set him on fire FIR registered

BHOPAL: A 24-year-old man who sustained severe burns in the Chanchoda area of Guna district died during treatment in Bhopal on Thursday morning. Before his death, he accused a police constable of dousing him with petrol and setting him ablaze.The deceased, identified as Chandan Gurjar of Kulambeh village, alleged in his statement that Constable Surendra Bhil, who lives near Chanchoda police station, set him on fire after a dispute over money. He also claimed that the constable’s son restrained him during the assault.According to the statement recorded by police, the dispute dates back to a transaction involving 200 grams of gold purchased by Chandan’s friend, which later turned out to be fake.

Chandan sought the constable’s help and alleged that he was asked to pay Rs 1 lakh in return for action. He said he raised the money by selling wheat but neither got relief in the case nor the money back.When Chandan went to the constable’s house on Sunday demanding a refund, the argument escalated, leading to the incident, he alleged.Chandan was first taken to Chanchoda hospital, then shifted to Guna District Hospital, and later referred to Kamla Nehru Hospital in Bhopal, where he succumbed to injuries after battling for life for four days. His body was handed over to family members after a post-mortem.Police said an FIR has been registered against Constable Surendra Bhil and an investigation is underway. Based on the dying declaration and the family’s complaint, charges under section 302 (murder) of BNS may be applied.