Delhi Police have initiated a detailed probe after an unidentified individual set a luxury Mercedes car on fire outside its owner's upscale residence in the capital. The alarming incident, which has sparked claims of a targeted threat from a local politician's daughter, occurred in the early hours of Sunday in Southwest Delhi's Safdarjung Enclave.
Incident Details and Police Response
According to the police, the act of arson took place on January 7 around 1 am. An unknown suspect approached the parked vehicle and reportedly ignited a fire near its left-side mirror. The flames, however, were not discovered until the following morning. Upon noticing the fire, alert local residents quickly alerted the authorities and worked alongside fire service officials to extinguish the blaze, preventing further damage.
Officials from the Delhi Police have registered a formal case under section 326 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to mischief committed by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage. As part of their investigation, a team is meticulously examining CCTV footage obtained from cameras in the vicinity of the crime scene. Additionally, investigators are questioning neighbours and potential witnesses to gather clues and identify the suspect.
Political Link and Police Clarification
The case took a political turn when the daughter of a local politician took to social media, asserting that the torched vehicle belonged to her. In her posts, she claimed that the incident was a deliberate act intended to harm her and her family, suggesting a malicious motive behind the arson.
However, the Delhi Police have provided a crucial clarification regarding the ownership of the vehicle. Authorities stated that the Mercedes car is registered to someone else and not to the politician's daughter who made the claims. This discrepancy is a key point in the ongoing investigation as police work to separate facts from speculation.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The primary focus for the police remains identifying and apprehending the individual responsible for setting the car ablaze. A senior police official involved in the case emphasized that the motive behind the crime will become clearer once the suspect is in custody. "We are actively searching for the suspect," the official said. "Once the person is caught, we will be able to determine the precise motive behind this act."
The investigation continues to explore all angles, including personal enmity, property disputes, or an attempt to create fear. The use of section 326 BNS indicates the seriousness with which the police are treating the case, as the charge involves intentional destruction of property using fire.
