A car belonging to Ujjain-based businessman Naresh Dhanwani was set on fire late Sunday night after two unidentified assailants poured petrol into the vehicle parked outside his residence.
The incident occurred between 2:30 am and 3:00 am in LP Bhargava Nagar in Madhya Pradesh. Dhanwani’s car bearing registration number MP 13 P 1313 was parked outside the house when two men arrived on a motorcycle with their faces covered in white cloth. The assailants first broke the car’s glass and then poured petrol into the vehicle before setting it ablaze.
Within minutes, the car was completely gutted by the fire. Family members and nearby residents noticed the flames and informed the authorities. Fire brigade personnel and police teams reached the spot and brought the fire under control, but the vehicle had already been completely destroyed.
The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras. The footage shows two men arriving on a motorcycle, with one of them recording the act on a mobile phone while the other pours petrol into the car and sets it on fire. Based on the CCTV footage, police are attempting to identify and trace the accused.
Residents of the locality stated that the incident took place in a posh area of the city and raised concerns regarding security. They said people have become more alert about the safety of their vehicles and homes.
Naresh Dhanwani stated that earlier, on Thursday night, the glass of his MG Hector car parked in the courtyard of his house had also been broken. He had lodged a complaint at Madhav Nagar police station in connection with that incident.
Police officials said no concrete action had been taken at that time. A few days later, on Sunday, the second incident occurred in which another car was set on fire. Due to similarities in the pattern of both incidents, police are treating the matter as serious.
Police said the identification of the accused is being carried out on the basis of CCTV footage and statements from neighbours. Surveillance is also being intensified around the area and efforts are being made to trace the motorcycle used in the crime. Police said there is a possibility that the same gang is involved in both incidents.
Investigators are also examining whether the businessman had any previous enmity or was subjected to any form of blackmail. Police said efforts are underway to arrest the accused and fully resolve the case. The local administration said steps would be taken to enhance security in areas considered safe zones of the city.
