Youth sets himself on fire at finance office in Sagar:Had gone to reclaim seized car, manager injured during rescue attempt

A young man allegedly set himself on fire at a Mahindra Finance office in Makronia, Sagar, on Friday after a dispute over his seized car. The branch manager also suffered burn injuries while trying to save him. Both were admitted to hospital, and the young man’s condition is reported to be critical. According to police, the injured man has been identified as Neelesh Kumar Jain, a resident of Jaicynagar. He had purchased a car through finance from the company. The vehicle was reportedly seized in Damoh after two instalments remained unpaid. Dispute broke out over seized vehicle Police said Neelesh visited the finance company’s office on Friday to seek the release of his vehicle. During discussions with company employees, an argument reportedly broke out over the matter. Amid the dispute, Neelesh allegedly poured petrol on himself inside the branch manager’s cabin and set himself on fire, triggering panic among employees and customers present at the office. See Pictures Branch manager injured while trying to save him Employees and company officials rushed to extinguish the flames. During the rescue attempt, the branch manager also sustained burn injuries. Neelesh, who suffered severe burns, was initially taken to Bundelkhand Medical College. Due to his critical condition, he was later referred to a private hospital for further treatment. Family alleges pressure from company Neeraj Kumar Jain, a relative of the injured man, alleged that only two instalments of the vehicle loan were pending when the company seized the car. He claimed that company representatives had been pressuring the family for the past 10 days and had also visited their home. According to the family, the outstanding amount was deposited on Thursday, but a dispute erupted when Neelesh visited the office on Friday to collect the vehicle. Police investigating matter Additional Superintendent of Police Lokesh Sinha said a man set himself on fire using a flammable substance at the finance company’s office. He said preliminary investigation indicates that the incident was linked to a dispute over vehicle finance. Police are examining all aspects of the case and further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.