Bengaluru: An 18-year-old man and his 45-year-old father are undergoing treatment for burn injuries after a heated argument over taking a motorcycle without permission escalated to a violent attempt by the father to set his son on fire. The flames also engulfed the father, leaving both with serious burns.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on May 1 in Pragathipura, Banashankari, south Bengaluru. Anand Doddamani and his son Mallikarjun sustained severe burn injuries. According to police, a complaint filed by Anand's wife, Eeramma, stated that her husband became enraged after their elder son took his motorcycle without permission to visit a temple. Anand called Mallikarjun and scolded him for associating with "bad boys." Even a video call from Mallikarjun showing he was at the temple did not calm his father.
Escalation of the Quarrel
In the evening, when Mallikarjun returned home and sat down for dinner, Anand allegedly abused him and picked another quarrel, accusing him of keeping bad company. The row intensified when the teenager answered back, leading Anand to slap him. Mallikarjun, who works as a tile-fitting laborer, stepped outside and sat on the bike in front of their rented house. Anand continued abusing him from inside. Around 9:30 PM, Anand stepped out, demanded the bike key, hit his son, and allegedly threatened to kill him. When Mallikarjun said, "Go ahead, kill me," Anand became enraged and said, "I will burn you, just watch."
The Attempt to Burn
Anand, a mason, brought petrol he had drained from the bike and splashed it on Mallikarjun. At the time, neighbors were cooking outside. Eeramma stated that the petrol on Mallikarjun caught fire as wind carried flames to it. Some petrol also fell on Anand, and it too ignited. Neighbors poured water to douse the flames. Mallikarjun was rushed to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital by Eeramma and others, while other neighbors took Anand to the hospital. Both are now undergoing treatment in the burns ward at Victoria Hospital.
Police Action
Police have filed an attempt to murder case against Anand. Doctors reported that Mallikarjun suffered 40% burn injuries, while Anand sustained 18% burns. Authorities are awaiting Anand's recovery to take further action. A police officer noted that Mallikarjun often used the bike without permission, and Anand would drain the petrol and ask his son to refill it with his own money.
