The deceased, identified as Mohammad Shakib, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday while undergoing treatment at a city hospital. His family has accused a group of acquaintances of pouring petrol on him and setting him ablaze following an altercation, a claim that police are still investigating.

The incident falls under the jurisdiction of Saraswati Nagar police station.

According to family members, the sequence of events began on the evening of July 12 when Shakib allegedly left home with an old school friend, identified as Sonu, after being invited to a liquor party. The two reportedly went to an open ground near the Housing Board Colony behind Suyash Hospital.

What happened next remains at the centre of the investigation.

Relatives claim a dispute broke out at the location, after which Shakib and his motorcycle were allegedly doused with petrol and set on fire. By the time emergency responders reached the spot, he had sustained critical burn injuries. His motorcycle was also destroyed in the fire.

A Dial-112 response team shifted the injured man to hospital, where he remained under treatment for a week before his condition deteriorated and he died.

The death has intensified demands for action from the victim’s family, who allege that authorities have not moved swiftly enough against the suspects named by them.

Shakib’s sister, Sheharban, claimed there had been a previous dispute between her brother and Sonu over a vehicle. According to her, communication between the two had stopped after that disagreement, but Sonu later contacted Shakib and asked him to come out.

She further alleged that the family was informed only after the incident had already occurred. The family has also referred to statements allegedly made by another youth, identified as Mukesh, though police have not officially confirmed any such account.

Adding to the controversy, some local residents living near the spot have reportedly claimed that Shakib was sitting on his motorcycle when petrol was poured on him before the fire broke out. However, these assertions remain unverified and have not been formally established by investigators.

Following Shakib’s death, relatives and supporters gathered at Saraswati Nagar police station demanding the immediate arrest of those they believe were involved. Family members also accused the police of negligence and delay in handling the case.

Mohammad Wajid Ali, a cousin of the deceased, alleged that despite repeated representations to the authorities since the incident, no arrests had been made. He claimed that the investigation had progressed slowly and questioned whether all evidence from the scene had been properly examined.

The case has drawn public attention because of the serious nature of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death.

Police officials, meanwhile, have maintained that the investigation is ongoing and that conclusions will be drawn only after all evidence is reviewed.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Dev Sharma said a preliminary death inquiry had been registered and statements were being collected from relatives and individuals linked to the incident. He stated that several youths were being questioned based on information received during the inquiry.

Officials have not yet confirmed whether the case will be treated as homicide, accidental burning, or any other offence, pending the outcome of the investigation and forensic findings.

Further details are awaited as police continue to examine witness accounts, medical records and evidence collected from the scene.