A shocking incident of brutal violence unfolded in Mumbai's western suburbs on Sunday night, leaving a 44-year-old man with severe burn injuries. A drunk man allegedly poured an inflammable liquid on an Andheri resident and set him on fire, leading to swift police action and an arrest on charges of attempted murder.
The Sequence of a Heinous Attack
According to details provided by the Amboli police, the horrific event took place around 10 pm on January 11, 2026, in the Yadav Nagar area of Jogeshwari (West). The victim, identified as Rajendra Yadav, a driver by profession, had just returned from work and parked his bike near his home.
Rajendra noticed his 22-year-old nephew, Pankaj Yadav, engaged in a heated argument with an inebriated man at the latter's paan shop. The dispute reportedly stemmed from the accused, Nagendra Yadav, repeatedly borrowing cigarettes without settling his dues.
Intervention Leads to a Fiery Retaliation
In an attempt to defuse the situation, Rajendra Yadav intervened. He asked his nephew to stop the argument and told Nagendra to stay away from the shop. This intervention, however, infuriated the accused, who left the spot only to return with a sinister plan minutes later.
Within 15 minutes, Nagendra came back armed with a bottle containing an inflammable liquid and a matchbox. In a cowardly act, he approached Rajendra from behind, poured the liquid on his shirt, and lit a matchstick. The victim's shirt instantly caught fire, leading to severe burns.
Rescue and Medical Treatment
As flames engulfed him, Rajendra began running in panic. Alert bystanders and locals rushed to his aid and managed to douse the fire. He was immediately rushed to the Rajendra Trauma Centre Hospital by his nephew and others. Given the severity of his injuries, he was later shifted to Mallika Hospital in Jogeshwari (West) for specialized treatment.
Senior Inspector Pramod Kokate of the Amboli police station confirmed that the victim sustained approximately 25 per cent burns on his back and is currently undergoing treatment. The police have recorded Rajendra's statement, which formed the basis of their legal action.
Swift Police Action and Legal Repercussions
Acting promptly on the complaint, the Amboli police registered a case of attempt to murder against Nagendra Yadav. The accused was subsequently arrested and is now in custody as the investigation proceeds. This case highlights the grave consequences of disputes escalating into extreme violence and the prompt response of Mumbai police in such serious crimes.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community in Yadav Nagar, raising concerns about public safety and the dangers posed by alcohol-fueled aggression. Authorities continue their probe to ensure justice is served for the victim who remains hospitalized, fighting his injuries.
