Man set on fire after dispute over prayer spot in Uttar Pradesh mosque, police probe all angles

The victim, identified as Mehboob, survived the attack and is currently recovering at a hospital in Aligarh. His condition is said to be stable.

According to NDTV reports, the incident occurred on Friday morning in the Sahaswan Road area, a day after an argument broke out at the local mosque between Mehboob and three men from his neighbourhood, Mustafabad in Islamnagar Nagar Panchayat.

Other worshippers reportedly settled the initial disagreement on Thursday. However, tensions flared again the next morning when Mehboob returned to offer prayers.

Police said that as he stepped outside the mosque, three men allegedly overpowered him, tied him to a pole, doused him with petrol, and set him ablaze.

The ropes soon burned away, allowing Mehboob to escape with severe burn injuries. His family rushed him to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Rudayan before he was referred to a higher medical facility in Aligarh.

Superintendent of Police (Rural) Hardesh Katheria said the incident was reported through the UP-112 emergency helpline. “The investigation is ongoing and all versions are being verified,” he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

However, CCTV footage obtained from a nearby petrol pump has added a twist to the case. The footage reportedly shows Mehboob himself buying petrol shortly before the incident.

Police said this has prompted them to investigate the matter “from all possible angles.”

No arrests have been confirmed yet, and further inquiry is underway.