A 20-year-old man identified as Mehboob was tied to a pole and set on fire following a violent dispute over where to offer prayers inside a mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district, police said on Friday.
The shocking incident took place on Friday morning in the Sahaswan Road area, a day after a quarrel broke out among worshippers inside the mosque in Mustafabad, Islamnagar Nagar Panchayat.
According to police, the disagreement began Thursday when Mehboob and three men from the same neighbourhood argued over their designated space to pray. The altercation was briefly resolved after community members intervened, but tensions flared again the next morning.
When Mehboob returned for early morning prayers, the dispute reportedly escalated. As he stepped outside, three men allegedly overpowered him, tied him to a pole, poured petrol over him, and set him ablaze.
The ropes eventually burned away, allowing Mehboob to break free and run home while engulfed in flames. His family rushed him to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Rudayan, and he was later referred to a hospital in Aligarh, where his condition is said to be stable and out of danger.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Hardesh Katheria confirmed receiving a call through the UP-112 emergency helpline and said the investigation is ongoing.
However, CCTV footage obtained from a nearby petrol pump showed Mehboob himself purchasing petrol shortly before the incident, prompting police to probe all possible angles, including the possibility of self-immolation or provocation.
“The investigation is underway, and all versions are being verified,” SP Katheria said.
Authorities continue to gather evidence and question witnesses to determine the full sequence of events behind the disturbing attack.
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