Rajasthan: Young man burned alive in mosque dies, accused absconding

March 20, 2026

Jaipur: A young laborer, who was locked in a bathroom and burned alive after a dispute, died during treatment. Officials confirmed this on Friday.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred on Wednesday when an altercation broke out between the accused, Hafiz Abdul Rashid (the mosque’s imam), and the victim, Hakim Pinjara (a daily wage laborer).

According to eyewitnesses, the imam was throwing away leftover food, to which Hakim objected and said it should be given to animals. This led to an argument between the two, which was later calmed down by villagers.

Locked in bathroom, burned after being doused with petrol
Hakim had gone to the mosque around 9 a.m. on Thursday.

According to family members and villagers, as soon as he went to the bathroom, the accused locked the door from outside. He then poured petrol he had brought with him and set him on fire.

Hearing the screams, villagers rushed to the scene and tried to save him.

Severely burned, Hakim was immediately referred to a hospital in Jaipur, where he died late at night.

Accused absconding, police search continues
After the incident, the accused fled the scene. According to police, he stole a bike belonging to a villager, Jagdish Sahu. It is suspected that this bike was also used to fetch petrol earlier.

Hakim Pinjara worked as a laborer in Jaipur and had come to his village during the month of Ramadan. He was the sole breadwinner of his family. He is survived by a son and a daughter who are currently studying.

Police have registered a case and begun searching for the accused. Several teams have been formed, and the investigation is ongoing based on technical and local leads.

The village is experiencing an atmosphere of tension and mourning following the incident, while the police have increased vigilance to maintain law and order.