NAGPUR: Sanjay Khobragade, 50, is fighting for life with 95% burn injuries at Government Medical College and Hospital after he was set ablaze on Saturday while in sleep by five persons over a about property of a Buddhist shrine at Kewlewada village in Goregaon taluka of Gondia. A senior BJP office-bearer was among the five booked for the incident.

Khobragade, also complainant in the case, was rushed to Gondia Government Hospital after family members managed to douse the flames. The victim was allegedly set on fire by the accused identified as Hrishipal Tembhre, Madhuri Tembhre, Shriprakash Rahangdale, Bhaulal Harinkhede, Punaji Thakre and Hemant Thakre. Khobragade, later shifted to Nagpur as his condition deteriorated, was sleeping in the verandah along with family members when he was attacked. Hrishipal is learnt to be occupying a post in BJP for Goregaon taluka.

It is learnt that the issue over a plot adjoining the shrine led to enmity which resulted in the attack. The rivals had also warned Khobragade in the past as there were skirmishes between them. Police have now registered an offence of attempt to murder and rioting against the perpetrators after recording Khobragade's statement. The accused have also been slapped with relevant sections of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

No arrest has been made yet.

