New video surfaces of Satwas couple’s self-immolation:Another woman threw flammable substance which ignited the flames; couple had been in dispute with neighbours

In a major development, where a couple allegedly set themselves on fire amid a property encroachment dispute in the Satwas incident of Dewas district, new video footage has emerged.
The clip shows the couple arguing with the Tehsildar as they attempt to light a match, when a woman reportedly throws a bottle containing a flammable substance, triggering the fire. It has also come to light that the dispute over the property had been simmering for five months. Neighbours had previously lodged complaints about encroachment, leading to a temporary halt in construction. The incident involves Santosh Vyas, who runs a stationery and photocopy shop near Satwas Bus Stand, and his wife Jayshree Vyas, building a new house in Ward No. 5, Shastri Colony. Neighbours, led by Mohandas Bairagi, alleged that the Vyas couple was building over a public drainage channel, blocking water flow and causing health hazards. On December 24, Tehsildar Arvind Diwakar, along with municipal staff and a JCB, arrived to remove the alleged encroachment. During the proceedings, Santosh and Jayshree Vyas had a heated argument with the tehsildar. According to family members, the couple demanded a written order, which was not provided. Within moments, the Vyas couple allegedly poured petrol on themselves and set themselves on fire. Both were referred to Indore, where Jayshree’s condition remains serious. Enraged locals blocked traffic for six hours, demanding accountability. The administration immediately suspended the Tehsildar and municipal CMO and formed a committee to investigate. Read the report… Dispute originated over drainage encroachment The conflict traces back to the construction of the Vyas couple’s new house on a site they purchased, replacing a dilapidated 40-year-old building. Construction permission had been formally granted on August 8, 2025, valid until August 7, 2028, with a requirement to notify the municipality within 15 days of completion. However, neighbours claimed the construction blocked a public drain, disrupting water flow to 8–10 houses. Based on these complaints, the administration halted construction on August 20, 2025, for several weeks. After the suspension was lifted, Santosh Vyas resumed work and sent a letter to the Forest Department on December 19, requesting verification of salvaged teak wood from the old structure. On December 23, Mohandas Bairagi lodged another complaint during a public hearing. In response, Tehsildar Arvind Diwakar issued a letter to the contractor Sunil, warning of legal action for non-compliance with prior instructions. The SDM office also issued a notice directing that encroachment be removed to ensure proper drainage. A dispute over a drainage encroachment The conflict started when the Vyas couple purchased a 40-year-old dilapidated house and began constructing a new one. Documents show that the municipal council had granted construction permission on August 8, 2025, valid until August 7, 2028, with a requirement to notify the council within 15 days of completion. However, neighbors claimed that construction blocked a public drain, affecting 8–10 houses. Based on these complaints, the administration halted construction on August 20, 2025, for several weeks. After the suspension was lifted, construction resumed. On December 19, Santosh Vyas wrote to the Forest Department, notifying them about the reconstruction and requesting verification of salvaged teak wood from the old building. Complaint during public hearing and administrative action On December 23, Mohandas Bairagi filed another complaint during a public hearing. In response, Tehsildar Arvind Diwakar issued a letter to the contractor Sunil, accusing him of ignoring government instructions and ordering immediate cessation of construction, warning of FIR registration if not complied with. The SDM office also issued a notice directing that encroachment be removed to restore proper drainage, citing public nuisance concerns under BNSS Section 152. Conflicting claims Family’s version The Vyas family denied any encroachment. Family member Dharmendra Vyas said, “We bought an old house and are rebuilding it. The drain is outside the house, not inside. Who keeps a drain in the middle of a house?” They also claimed the case was pending in the SDM Court with the next hearing on December 29, questioning why the administration acted before the court proceedings. They also stated that no formal notice was provided before attempting the demolition. Administration’s version Dewas Collector Rituraj Singh described the incident as a dispute between two private parties. He said, “The couple allegedly built over a drain, blocking water for 8–10 houses. The municipal team and Tehsildar went to ensure the structure was removed to restore drainage. Social media indicated the fire incident.” The Tehsildar has since been transferred to the Collectorate, and administrative actions are ongoing. Public outrage and Administrative response The incident sparked intense protests in Satwas. Locals blocked traffic outside the police station and demanded action against Tehsildar Arvind Diwakar and municipal CMO Chunnilal Junwal. The administration responded by suspending the Tehsildar and forming a committee to investigate the matter. The administration has no answers to these questions