A late-night arson attack in a village near Amritsar has left a family homeless and a young man with severe burns, in an incident police say is connected to a reported elopement.
House Reduced to Ashes in Late-Night Fire
The incident occurred in Talwandi Rai Dadu village under the Ajnala sub-division of Amritsar district. Unidentified individuals allegedly set a house on fire late at night. The flames completely gutted the property, reducing all household items to ashes. In the blaze, a youth sustained serious burn injuries.
Elopement Allegations Spark Violent Retaliation
According to preliminary reports, the motive behind the arson is linked to an 18-year-old youth from the affected family who allegedly eloped with a woman. The woman is reported to be a mother of three children. The affected family claims that while they were away attending a wedding ceremony, relatives of the woman forcibly entered their home and started the fire.
However, the family of the woman involved has countered these claims, terming the allegations as completely baseless. This has created a he-said-she-said situation for the investigating authorities.
Police Investigation Underway, Legal Action Promised
Local police officials swiftly responded to the incident. Police inspected the spot and have initiated a thorough investigation. An official stated that the probe is being conducted based on statements and facts collected from both sides involved in the dispute.
The police have assured that legal action will be taken soon once the investigation establishes the clear sequence of events and identifies those responsible for the arson and assault. The case highlights tensions that can erupt into violence in matters of personal relationships in the region.
