Attempt to torch house caught on camera, cops say two accused have been identified

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has identified two men who attempted to set a residential house on fire in northwest Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar and will arrest them soon, officials said on Tuesday.

Prima facie, it appears that the accused committed the act without any provocation, they said. The incident was reported to Adarsh Nagar police station on April 5.

The complainant alleged an attempt by miscreants to torch his house. The incident caused no injuries as the family members quickly managed to douse the fire using water.

During the preliminary inquiry, police examined CCTV footage from surrounding areas. One footage showed two men pouring a flammable liquid from a plastic bottle on the one-storeyed residential building, before lighting a matchstick and throwing it onto the house.

Flames quickly engulfed parts of the house, including its entry gate. However, the inhabitants who emerged from the house promptly threw water and doused the fire.

“We have identified the accused. We also talked to the family whose house was set on fire. They told police that they don’t know the accused and have no enmity with anyone,” a police officer said. Police said evidence confirmed that the fire was not accidental and the men planned to cause the damage without provocation.

Based on the complainant’s statement and technical evidence, a case has been registered under sections related to causing grievous damage and endangering life and property, and for acts involving fire or explosive substances.