Hyderabad: A 11-year-old boy, set on fire allegedly within a high security military garrison in Hyderabad on Wednesday, died of 90% burns. Before dying, he had alleged that some “military men” burnt him, the police say.
The child lived with his family in Siddiqnagar within the garrison in Mehdipatnam, which is a restricted area and allows visitors only with special passes. Angry residents have been protesting since morning outside the base, with a large number of police personnel standing guard.
The police say kerosene was poured on the boy and he was set on fire on Wednesday afternoon, a little before 3 pm. A soft drink bottle with traces of kerosene and matches were found at the spot where the boy was allegedly burnt.
The army has denied the involvement of its personnel.
“On investigation, it is found that the allegation is absolutely false and no army personnel is involved in this incident. The army condemns this act,” an army statement said.Â
Hyderabad police commissioner Mahender Reddy said it is not known who attacked the boy and why.
Besides the police, the army is also investigating what happened.
Army officers say they share a good rapport with some 200 families who stay within the garrison and cannot believe that any of their men could have burnt the boy.Â
“We are assisting the police in the investigations since the incident took place in the Army area,” an army spokesperson said in Delhi.
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