Boy Set on Fire Allegedly in Hyderabad Army Garrison Dies

Mangalore Today News Network

Hyderabad, Oct 09, 2014:  An 11-year-old boy who was set on fire allegedly within a military garrison in Hyderabad on Wednesday has died of 90 per cent burns. Before dying, he had alleged that "some military men" burnt him, the police say.

The child lived with his family within the garrison in Mehdipatnam, which is a restricted area that allows visitors only with special passes.

The police say kerosene was poured on the boy and he was set on fire on Wednesday afternoon, a little before 3 pm.

A soft drink bottle with traces of kerosene and matches were found at the spot where the boy was allegedly burnt.

In a statement, the army has denied the involvement of its personnel.

The police have filed a complaint or First Information Report.

Hyderabad police commissioner Mahender Reddy said it is not known who attacked the boy and why.

Besides the police, the army is also investigating what happened.

Army officers say they share a good rapport with some 200 families who stay within the garrison, and cannot believe that any of their men could have burnt the boy.

"We are assisting the police in the investigations since the incident took place in the Army area," an army spokesperson said in Delhi.

A large number of police personnel have been posted at the area today to ward against possible trouble.