Bengaluru: A father’s attempt to scare his teenage son over a domestic dispute turned tragic after both sustained burn injuries in a fire accident in Pragathipura under the limits of the Kumaraswamy Layout Police Station on Friday night.
The injured have been identified as Anand (45), a mason, and his son Mallikarjun (19), who works at a tile company. The incident occurred around 9.30 pm and has raised concerns about impulsive actions during family disputes.
Argument over bike led to incident
According to police, the incident began when Anand found out that his son had taken his bike without informing him. Anand reportedly called Mallikarjun, who said he had gone to a temple. However, the father allegedly did not believe him and accused him of lying and spending time with friends.
When Mallikarjun returned home later in the evening, an argument broke out between the two. The disagreement quickly escalated, with both reportedly exchanging heated words.
Family members told the police that during the altercation, the son allegedly told his father to kill him, which further enraged Anand.
Petrol used to scare, fire spreads
Police said that Anand, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, poured petrol on his son in an attempt to frighten him. However, the situation took a dangerous turn when the petrol came into contact with a nearby flame.
A neighbour was cooking on the roadside at the time, and the open flame caused the petrol to ignite suddenly. The fire quickly spread, engulfing both Anand and Mallikarjun and causing severe burn injuries.
The incident highlights how quickly such situations can spiral out of control, especially when flammable substances are involved.
Neighbour rescues duo
A nearby resident acted swiftly to control the situation. The neighbour managed to douse the flames and arranged for immediate medical assistance.
Both victims were initially taken to a nearby hospital and later shifted to Victoria Hospital for further treatment.
Doctors reported that Mallikarjun sustained around 40 per cent burn injuries, while Anand suffered approximately 18 per cent burns.
Police action initiated
Following the incident, the police registered a case against Anand. An attempt to murder case has been filed at the Kumaraswamy Layout police station.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances leading to the incident and recording statements from family members and witnesses.
Rising concerns over domestic disputes
The case has once again drawn attention to the risks associated with domestic conflicts escalating into violence. Experts often warn that alcohol consumption, combined with anger and poor impulse control, can lead to dangerous outcomes.
While this incident appears to have been unintended, it underscores the need for conflict resolution and awareness to prevent such tragedies.
Conclusion: A moment of anger leads to serious consequences
What began as a dispute over a bike ended in a life-threatening accident for both father and son. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly anger and rash actions can lead to irreversible harm.
As both victims undergo treatment, the focus now shifts to their recovery and the legal proceedings against the father. Authorities continue to urge the public to handle conflicts calmly and avoid actions that could endanger lives.