Hyderabad News: A man, reportedly in an inebriated state, was arrested after he ignited a lighter, leading to a fire at a petrol pump in Telangana's capital city Hyderabad on Saturday evening. The incident occurred around 7 pm in the Nacharam area when the accused, identified as Chiran, arrived at the petrol station, visibly drunk and holding a cigarette lighter.
Arun, one of the employees at the petrol pump, reportedly questioned Chiran, asking if he intended to ignite the lighter, NDTV reported. In a provocative move, he challenged Chiran to light it up if "he had the guts" to do so. Reacting to the provocation, Chiran lit the lighter while Arun was dispensing fuel into a scooter, resulting in a sudden outbreak of flames.
At the time of the incident, about 10 to 11 people, including two employees, were present at the petrol pump, NDTV's report stated. CCTV footage captured the moment when a woman and her child at the petrol pump recoiled in shock as flames erupted. Chiran allegedly kicked the flames that apparently reached close to the child, but she narrowly escaped harm.
The footage also shows others at the scene fleeing to safety.
The police subsequently arrested Arun alongside Chiran, charging both with mischief by fire and explosives. Officials confirmed that both the accused are from Bihar and will be presented in court, as per the report.
"This dangerous act not only put lives at risk but could have caused a catastrophic explosion, especially in this crowded area with heavy traffic," said Inspector G Rudvir Kumar of the Nacharam Police, as quoted by NDTV.