Bhojpur, November 26

A group of agitators, allegedly belonging to the United Democratic Madhesi Front, set a man on fire in Bhatigachha of Morang today for smuggling petrol from India.

Bablu Rajbanshi, 28, of Bhatigachha was attacked while he was heading home on his bike after purchasing petrol from a bordering area in India.

According to Morang police spokesperson DSP Pramod Kharel, a group of four to five youths seized the petrol Bablu was carrying and sprinkled it on him before setting him on fire at Ram Janaki Chowk in Bhatigachh at about 9:30am. He has received major burn injuries on his chest, legs and cheeks.

Admitted in a critical condition at the Koshi Zonal Hospital in Biratnagar, the victim was later referred to the Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences for advanced medical care, where his condition is said to be improving. “Earlier, he could hardly speak but now he’s in better condition,” said Bablu’s uncle, Rambabu.

Bablu owns a motorbike garage near the Biratnagar Bus Park, and according to his uncle, he had gone to India to get petrol for a customer who had sought it.

“He was returning with 15 litres of petrol in a jerry can when he was stopped and asked for petrol. When he didn’t oblige, they attacked him,” said Rambabu, adding the locals came to his rescue and doused the fire on time.

Police said they had identified three persons involved in the incident. “We’ve found that Jitendra Mukhiya, Ajaya Singh and Jugeshwor Mukhiya of Bhatigachha were involved in the incident,” said DSP Kharel, adding search is on for the persons who had fled immediately after the incident.

He, however, said police were yet to ascertain whether the youths were the cadres of United Democratic Madhesi Front as alleged by the witnesses.

UDMF leaders have refused to comment on the incident.

Meanwhile, Bablu’s kin has lodged an FIR against the persons involved in the murder bid. According to DSP Kharel, an attempt to murder case will be filed against the accused. Bablu’s two-wheeler and a tea-shop near the incident site have been damaged.