GHAZIABAD: A 25-year-old man died after allegedly dousing himself in petrol and setting himself on fire in Modinagar on Saturday evening. Police said the man, identified as Madhur Yadav, had spent nearly 15 days searching online for ways to die quickly and with minimal pain.
While investigators are treating the incident as a case of suicide, the family has alleged that he was murdered.
Madhur, a resident of Mangal Vihar Colony, had recently completed training for a stenographer’s job and was awaiting his appointment letter from the Rajasthan High Court. His father is a section officer in the irrigation department.
According to ACP Amit Saxena of Modinagar, the incident occurred around 8.30 pm. “Madhur left home and went to a secluded location about two kilometres away, where he poured petrol on himself and set himself on fire,” he said.
Before the act, he reportedly removed and neatly folded his clothes nearby. Passersby noticed him and rushed him to a nearby hospital, while also informing the police. He was later shifted to a hospital in Delhi, where he succumbed to his injuries. Officials said nearly 80 percent of his body was burnt.
Police sources said Madhur was in a relationship, but his family had reportedly opposed his marriage. A senior officer added that he had previously harmed himself during Diwali last year and had recently blocked several family members’ phone numbers.
Investigators are examining his mobile phone. “Initial findings show that he searched online for methods that involved less pain and watched over 25 related videos. His chats are also being reviewed. The case is being probed from all angles,” an officer said.
The family, however, has disputed the suicide theory. Madhur’s father claimed that he had spoken to his son on the phone shortly before the incident and was told he would return home soon. Later, his phone was switched off.
He further alleged that an unknown caller later informed him that his son had been set on fire on Niwari Road. The family also claimed that while badly injured, Madhur named a youth called Abhishek and alleged that something was sprayed into his eyes before he was set ablaze.
Following this, a complaint was filed by his uncle against the named individual. Police said the allegations are being verified.
“At present, the case is being treated as suicide, but we are examining the family’s claims and all available evidence,” ACP Saxena said.
