The victim, Ram Bilas Yadav, 22, of Bhardaha-7 sustained severe burn injuries to his legs and back, according to District Police Office (DPO), Sunsari. The injured is currently undergoing treatment at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences of Dharan.According to DSP Shyam Singh Chaudhary, Yadav was returning home after purchasing petrol when the group came in 10 motorcycles and seized the bottle of petrol. "The group sprinkled the petrol around Yadav after taking him under control. They then lit fire and burnt him," informed the police officer.
Although the group members identified themselves as protestors of the Tarai-Madhes movement, the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) is yet to take responsibility for the attack, according to DSP Chaudhary.
"We have already taken some suspects under control in connection with the incident. We are looking for the rest of the suspects," he said. "Although they claimed themselves as protestors initially, they later revealed during police interrogation that they have been creating chaos under the name of protestors. Investigation in the incident is underway," added DSP Chaudhary.
Similarly, two girls, including a toddler, sustained burns to their legs after cadres of the UDMF seized petrol bottles they were carrying, smashed them on the ground and lit them, on Monday in Babiya of the district.
The victims have been identified as three-year-old Ranjana, daughter of Ram Prashad Satyabi of Babiya-6 and Sunita, 16, daughter of Ram Chandra Khatyabi of the same locality. Both the children had gone with their fathers in search of petrol.
The prolonged Madhes protests coupled with the undeclared blockade imposed by India have created severe shortage of petrol and other daily necessities in the market.
"Although the offenders have been identified, they are yet to be taken into custody," informed DSP Chaudhary. According to the DSP, the involvement of UDMF cadres in the incident has been established.
"However, the party has neither denied nor taken responsibility for the incident," he added.
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