In a shocking incident in Pune, a pani puri vendor died after setting himself on fire due to a dispute with a grocery shop owner over 'bhishi' money, officials said on Sunday.
According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Babulal Solanki (33), a resident of Kondhwa. The accused is Mukesh Uneecha, a resident of Market Yard.
Both Babulal and Mukesh are natives of Rajasthan. A few months ago, Babulal had participated in a bhishi (chit fund) scheme. Although the scheme's tenure had ended, Mukesh allegedly refused to return Babulal’s ₹2 lakh despite repeated requests. Babulal, who ran a pani puri stall for a living, grew increasingly frustrated over the delay.
He then went to Mukesh’s grocery shop in Market Yard and again demanded his money. When Mukesh refused, a frustrated Babulal poured flammable oil on himself and set himself on fire inside the shop. He sustained severe burn injuries and was immediately rushed to the hospital by locals. However, he succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Senior Police Inspector Manisha Patil of Market Yard Police Station told The Free Press Journal, “Over the money dispute, Babulal set himself on fire, which led to his death. The accused has been admitted to Sassoon General Hospital with burn injuries, as he tried to save Babulal and douse the fire. We will arrest him soon.”
A case has been registered under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Market Yard Police Station.
