Nagpur: In a shocking incident near the Dainik Bhaskar office on the Ashok Chowk–Baidhyanath Chowk Road on Monday, two parked trucks caught fire, with both cabins completely destroyed, resulting in losses worth lakhs of rupees. Preliminary investigation suggests that the fire was intentionally set using petrol, allegedly by a former truck driver over a financial dispute.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, prompting an immediate response from the Fire Department, which deployed two fire tenders to bring the blaze under control. No injuries were reported, but the truck cabins were reduced to ashes.

Acting swiftly, the Imamwada Police detained the accused, Akash Tekam (40), a resident of Beltarodi, who earlier worked as a driver and loader on the trucks. The trucks were owned by Sidappa, who had recently terminated Tekam’s employment due to his alleged substance abuse.

Fired Over Addiction, Set Trucks Ablaze

According to truck owner Sidappa, he had fired Tekam around 10 days ago due to his addiction issues. “He used to call me only when he was intoxicated. I told him to settle accounts once he was sober,” said Sidappa. He further added that Tekam had already started working elsewhere and was not in further contact.

Police suspect that Tekam poured petrol into bottles and intentionally set the vehicles ablaze as an act of revenge. He was spotted near the scene shortly before the fire broke out. The Imamwada Policeare interrogating him to ascertain the full motive and source of the petrol.

Traffic Halted, Fire Quickly Contained

Senior Police Inspector Rahul Shire of Imamwada Police Station was present at the scene with his team. Authorities halted traffic from Ashok Chowk to Baidhyanath Chowk to facilitate the movement of fire tenders, helping prevent the fire from spreading further.

The Imamwada Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident under relevant sections of arson and criminal damage.