Raipur: A major disaster was averted after a man set fire to his friend’s motorcycle and a petrol nozzle at a fuel pump in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, after being asked not to light up.
Had it not been for quick reaction by a fuel pump attendant, the fire would have reached the underground tanks as well as dispensers, resulting in catastrophe.
The accused as well as the owner of the motorcycle were arrested on Thursday.
According to CCTV footage that has now gone viral, two men on a motorcycle reach the pump. Even as the attendant starts pouring petrol into the tank, the pillion rider – identified as Dharmendra Kshatri – attempts to light a cigarette.
His friend and owner of the motorcycle – identified as Imran – then stops him. Kshatri then steps forward and sets fire to the vehicle’s fuel tank and dispenser nozzle with a lighter.
Police have arrested two individuals following a dangerous incident at a petrol pump in Raipur’s Birgaon area, where a young man deliberately ignited a motorcycle’s fuel tank with a lighter.
The duo then flee the spot. The pump attendant behaves in a very professional manner. He cuts off the flow of petrol from the dispenser and then gets a fire extinguisher that he uses to douse the flames.
Authorities said that the incident occurred around 7 pm on February 17, at a fuel pump located within the jurisdiction of the Urla police station. There were a number of customers and other vehicles at the pump when the incident happened and there was considerable panic.
The Urla police launched an investigation to track down the suspects. Using the vehicle’s registration details and the digital evidence, officers successfully identified and apprehended both men.
