Lovelorn man dies after setting himself on fire at Sarkhej hospital

Ahmedabad Police on Thursday began investigating a shocking incident in Sarkhej where a 28-year-old woman and a local youth were injured after the latter allegedly set himself on fire inside a hospital following a confrontation. He later succumbed to his injuries.

According to police, Saleha Abdulkadar Sheikh (28), a resident of Afreen Duplex near Sama School in Fatehwadi, works as a receptionist at Al-Noor Hospital, located opposite Savera Hotel in Sarkhej. For the past six months, she had reportedly been facing persistent harassment from a youth named Kamran, who lives in the same neighbourhood.

On Thursday morning, around 8.30 pm, Kamran allegedly arrived at Al-Noor Hospital, where Saleha was on duty, and confronted her. Police said an argument broke out, after which Kamran allegedly poured petrol — which he had brought with him — over himself and set himself on fire using a lighter. In the chaos that followed, he is believed to have damaged hospital property before running out of the building, jumping from the first floor and entering a nearby dental clinic while still in flames, causing further damage.

Kamran was rushed to hospital in a 108 ambulance and is currently under treatment.

Saleha, who did not sustain any physical injuries, is admitted to Al-Noor Hospital and is unconscious, police said. Her statement will be recorded once she regains consciousness.

Sarkhej police have registered an accidental death case and are examining CCTV footage from the hospital and surrounding establishments. The incident has caused panic among staff and residents in the area. Further investigation is under way.

Speaking to Gujarat Samachar Digital, SA Gohil, Inspector of Sarkhej Police Station, said, “During preliminary investigation it has been revealed that the deceased had a one-sided affair with the girl, who was also his neighbour. For the past six months, he had been pressuring her to marry him, despite the girl repeatedly rejecting him. On Thursday, he took the decision to set himself on fire after she again denied him.”