Delhi Horror: Man Set on Fire by Friend Over Party Dispute, Critical With 75% Burns

New Delhi- A shocking incident of violence in northwest Delhi has left a 40-year-old man battling for life after he was allegedly set ablaze by a friend following a dispute over hosting a party.

The victim, identified as Rakesh Kumar, sustained nearly 75% burn injuries in the attack that took place in Vijay Vihar. He is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Trauma Centre, where doctors have described his condition as critical and placed him on ventilator support.

Police said the accused, identified as Raja alias Manu, has been arrested and booked for attempt to murder. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday evening near the victim’s residence.

According to investigators, the dispute stemmed from repeated demands by the accused to host a grand celebration after Kumar recently purchased a new flat. Despite organising a small gathering earlier, Kumar had declined to arrange a larger party due to financial constraints.

On the day of the incident, Kumar was sitting near a local car wash shop when the accused allegedly confronted him again. When Kumar refused, the situation escalated.

Police said the accused first vandalised Kumar’s goods vehicle — a Tata Ace — by smashing its windshield. He then allegedly brought petrol from a nearby shop, poured it over Kumar, and set him on fire using a matchstick.

Family members present at the scene, along with locals, managed to extinguish the flames and rushed him to nearby hospitals before he was referred to multiple facilities due to the severity of his injuries.

Kumar, who works as a driver and lives with his wife and four children, had recently taken a loan to purchase the vehicle and moved into a new home.

Based on the victim’s statement, police registered a case under attempt to murder and apprehended the accused within days. Officials said further investigation is ongoing.