Gwalior, June 24 (AHN) A dispute over the price of petrol took a shocking turn in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior district when a 22-year-old man was allegedly set on fire by three youths at Thatipur intersection, police said.

The victim, identified as Akash Sengar, sustained serious burn injuries and is undergoing treatment at the Trauma Centre. Police have arrested one accused, while two others remain at large.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday under the jurisdiction of the Thatipur police station. Akash, a resident of Hazira PHE Colony, was selling petrol to commuters near an auto-rickshaw stand when three youths arrived on a Bullet motorcycle and allegedly demanded fuel at a lower price.

According to police, when Akash refused to sell petrol at the rate demanded, an argument broke out. The accused allegedly assaulted him, poured petrol on his body and set him ablaze using a lighter before attempting to flee.

Hearing his screams, local residents rushed to rescue him and managed to douse the flames. An ATM guard who intervened during the rescue operation also suffered minor injuries.

Confirming the incident, CSP Atul Soni told AHN on Wednesday that Akash was immediately shifted to the Trauma Centre for treatment. While some local residents claimed he had suffered around 60 per cent burns, police said medical assessment indicated otherwise.

“Akash has sustained burns on approximately 34 per cent of his body. He is undergoing treatment, and his condition is being closely monitored. One accused has been arrested, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining two,” Soni said.

Police have registered a case of attempted murder against Dolly Gurjar and two unidentified accomplices. CCTV footage from the area is being examined to establish the sequence of events and identify all those involved.