In a distressing turn of events, an 18-year-old boy set blaze a shop where his ex-girlfriend was employed, following their breakup, within the jurisdiction of Tehsil police station. The incident took place in the early hours of May 1, with authorities swiftly apprehending the accused on the same day.
The said shop, Holaran Fatechand, situated near Bohra Masjid lane, is owned by Ritesh Makhija, who reported losses amounting to ₹7 lakh due to the fire.
The perpetrator, identified as Prakash Ramesh Chatte, sustains himself through odd jobs like daily wage labor and assisting at various establishments. His ex-girlfriend, a 17-year-old, served as a helper at Makhija’s shop.
Sandeep Buwa, the police inspector at Tehsil police station, disclosed to Lokmat Times that Chatte persistently harassed the girl, suspecting her of infidelity. “The girl grew weary of his unfounded suspicions and ensuing altercations, prompting her to terminate their relationship. Despite her decision, the accused relentlessly pursued reconciliation. On the day of the incident, he visited the shop in hopes of persuading her yet again, only to find her absent. Disheartened and incensed, he resorted to arson,” Buwa elaborated.
Upon Makhija’s formal complaint, law enforcement scrutinized the shop’s CCTV footage, leading to Chatte’s swift apprehension and subsequent arrest. Buwa affirmed Chatte’s confession during interrogation. Investigations are ongoing.