Spurned youth held for setting woman’s house on fire in Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur: A 24-year-old spurned man was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly setting a woman’s house on fire in the Chiluatal area of Gorakhpur after learning about her impending marriage. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday, damaged household belongings, including the woman’s scooter.

Police identified the accused as Rohit Sahani, a resident of Siktaur Maniram village under the Chiluatal police station area. According to investigators, Rohit had earlier been in contact with the woman, but she had reportedly stopped speaking to him after her marriage was fixed elsewhere.

Angered by the development, Rohit allegedly reached the woman’s residence around 1.30 am along with two associates, Karan and Arun. The trio allegedly poured petrol inside the house and set it on fire before fleeing the spot.

Family members managed to escape safely and, with the help of neighbours, brought the blaze under control before it could spread further.

In the complaint lodged with the police, the victim’s brother alleged that the accused also threatened to kill the entire family while standing outside the house.

Acting swiftly, police registered an FIR and arrested the main accused within hours of the incident.

Chiluatal SHO Suraj Singh said raids were underway to arrest the two remaining accused involved in the case.