NEW DELHI: A 24-year-old hotelier was burnt to death inside his Honda City as it burst into flames after hitting a road divider near Todapur in central Delhi on Friday morning. Though the actual cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, police and fire officials suspect that a short circuit and a rupture in the fuel tank could have sparked off the blaze.

The victim, Sarang Vats Sharma, owned a three-star hotel in Paschim Vihar. He was also pursuing hospitality management course from Amity University. He is survived by his father Manoj Sharma and two brothers. The family stays at Naraina Vihar.

Family members said Sarang was on his way to a gurdwara in central Delhi around 5am when the accident took place. His family told police the car was five years old and registered in his father's name.

Eyewitnesses said they heard a loud bang and saw Vats' car (DL 4C AB 2153) flipping over, hitting a tree and bursting into flames. Sarang tried hard to open the car's doors but it appeared that his foot was stuck at the pedals. Passersby tried to pull him out, but it was too late as the car was already engulfed in flames.

Witnesses called the cops, who in turn informed the fire department. Two fire tenders were rushed to the spot, which reached around 5.40am and doused the fire. Sarang was charred beyond recognition. He was pulled out and taken to a hospital where he was declared dead on arrival with 80% burns.

Sarang's family members alleged the car was probably hit by another vehicle due to which it had rammed against the tree and burst into flames. "There were no issues with the car as it was properly serviced and checked. I find no reason which might have led to the fire. The safety standards of the car were also in place," said Vipan Sharma, Sarang's uncle. They demanded a thorough probe into the incident.

Sharma's family friend Deepak said there was no evidence to suggest the vehicle had hit the divider as there was no visible damage to the road blocks. Police said they were looking into this angle as well. and are trying to identify if any other vehicle was involved in the accident.

Sarang had told his family he would offer prayers at the gurdwara and return within an hour, after which he was supposed to leave for work.

A case under section 304A (causing death due to negligence) of IPC has been registered at Inderpuri police station. The car was later towed away and forensic experts will inspect it on Saturday.

