Delhi horror: Mechanic pours petrol on man over parking dispute, cigarette triggers fiery blast inside car

A 40-year-old sanitation worker from Delhi suffered serious burn injuries after a two-wheeler mechanic allegedly poured petrol on him, which caught fire when the victim lit a cigarette inside a car. The shocking incident took place in South Delhi’s RK Puram area around 9:30 PM on Sunday, July 13, according to a TOI report citing police officials.

The victim, Rahul Chauhan, a resident of Vasant Gaon and employed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), was sitting inside a car with three others. The vehicle was parked outside a local mechanic's shop when the accused, 42-year-old Gaya Prasad, also known as Kalu, reportedly asked them to move the car.

When they allegedly refused, a heated argument broke out. According to Rahul’s cousin Siddhant Raj, who was present at the scene, the situation escalated quickly. In a fit of rage, Gaya Prasad allegedly poured petrol on Rahul, who was smoking a cigarette inside the vehicle. The flame from the cigarette is believed to have ignited the petrol, setting Rahul and parts of the car on fire.


Soon after the incident, a PCR call was made to the RK Puram police station. The Station House Officer (SHO), along with emergency and beat staff, rushed to the location. Rahul was immediately taken to KC Hospital by the police team.

Condition of the victim

Doctors confirmed that Rahul sustained 20% burn injuries on his face and chest. Once he was stable, police recorded his statement and registered a case. A medical-legal case (MLC) was also prepared based on his injuries.

Based on the victim’s statement and the medical report, police have registered a case under Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused, Gaya Prasad, who resides in Palam Village, is being booked accordingly. Efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest him.

The incident has raised concerns about growing street disputes in busy residential areas. Eyewitnesses say that the car also caught fire and was damaged. Residents have urged authorities to take strict action and ensure public safety in local marketplaces and colonies.

Inputs from TOI