AHMEDABAD: When the entire world was steeped in joy on Christmas eve, and most children dreamt about Santa coming home and showering gifts on them, Hitesh Pandya 38, resident of Meghaninagar, was looking desperately for money to buy a birthday gift for his five-year-old son, Harsh, who, too, was eager to celebrate his sixth birthday on December 25.

The guilt of not being able to arrange his son's birthday celebrations weighed heavily on Pandya's mind. He tried to arrange money , but in vain. By 10.30 am in the morning, Pandya, who worked as a mason, gave up on trying to celebrate his son's birthday .He took a kerosene container, confined himself to his one-room house located in Kalapinagar, Meghaninagar, and set himself ablaze.

Hearing Pandya's cries of pain, his wife Vaishali, 32, who was washing clothes outside the house, rushed in. The door of the room was locked from inside, and smoke sneaking out from the room signal led a disaster.With the help of neighbours, Vaishali broke open the door only to find Pandya in flames.

Inspector DS Punadiya of Meghaninagar police station said Vaishali and neighbours managed to douse the flames and rush Pandya to Civil Hospital.“Pandya was uncons cious and was imme diately given treat ment. However, on Saturday night, at about 12.30 he died, leaving behind Vishali and two sons Harsh, 5 and Hardik who is still about year-and-half old to mourn his death,“ added Punadiya.

Meghaningar police sources said that during the course of investigation they came to know for the last three years, Pandya's elder brother, who is financially sound, had been holding birthday celebrations for Harsh. “However five-year-old Harsh wanted to celebrate his birthday at their own home this time. Pandya, too, wanted to celebrate his son's birthday , but despite all efforts, he could not arrange the funds to do so,“ said a police source.

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