Pithoragarh bank guard sets manager on fire over verbal altercation, held

The guard of a bank poured petrol on the manager and set him on fire after he got into a verbal altercation with the latter.

Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand): In a shocking incident, a bank's guard poured petrol on the manager and set him on fire, triggering panic in the area. The local people extinguished the fire and informed police. The manager was seriously injured and rushed to the nearest hospital and later airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh. The accused guard has been arrested and investigations are on, police said.

According to police, the guard had got into an argument with the manager of the State Bank of India, Dharchula in Pithoragarh over an insignificant issue. The argument led to a verbal altercation and a quarrel had broken out between the two, police said.

Following which, the guard, Deepak Kshetri was extremely angry with the manager, Mohammad Owais, police said. In a fit of rage, Deepak poured petrol on Owais and then lit a matchstick, immediately after which, fire broke out. Before people could understand what was happening, Owais was seriously burnt.

Owais, a resident of Bihar was taken to the local hospital for first-aid. According to doctors, Owais was burnt 40 percent and was referred to another hospital. The bank employees demanded that helicopter be provided for shifting him elsewhere.

Acting on their demand, a chopper was arranged and Owais was airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh. Pithoragarh Superintendent of Police Lokeshwar Singh said that as soon as the matter came to their notice, police reached the spot and arrested the accused guard. A case has been registered against him under section 307, police said. At the same time, the bank manager has been sent to AIIMS Rishikesh, he said. Investigation is underway, he added.