Pathankot: A house in Shamli village, under the jurisdiction of Pathankot’s Sadar police station, was set on fire after tensions escalated over an inter-caste marriage. Police rushed to the spot after receiving information and helped the family extinguish the blaze. Initial investigation confirmed that the fire was deliberately started and not an accident.
According to police, Akash and Sonia had married against the wishes of the girl’s family, which led to anger and resentment. Enraged by the inter-caste union, the girl’s relatives allegedly targeted the boy’s house. The prime accused, Sonia’s grandfather Mulk Raj, reportedly sprinkled oil on the house and set it ablaze using a matchstick. He was arrested soon after the incident.
Pathankot SSP Sukhwinder Pal Singh said that timely intervention by the police averted a major tragedy, as the fire could have spread to nearby houses and engulfed the village. He reiterated that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
Following statements from the affected family, an FIR (No. 131) was registered at the Sadar police station, and three accused — including Mulk Raj — have been arrested. Further investigation is underway.
