Basti: In a shocking case of brutality, an 11-year-old boy was allegedly thrown into a burning tandoor (clay oven) by a catering contractor during a wedding ceremony in the Basti district of Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred on the night of April 15, 2026, in Malauli Gosai village under the Chhawani police station area. The victim, identified as Chaman (also known as Amar), sustained severe burns extending from his face to his waist. He was initially rushed to Ayodhya Medical College but has since been referred to the Lucknow Medical College, where his condition is currently reported as stable.
According to police sources and eyewitness accounts, the boy was attending a relative’s wedding with his maternal grandmother when he reportedly took “rasgullas” from the food counter multiple times. This allegedly enraged the catering contractor, who first intimidated the child before picking him up and placing him onto the burning tandoor. During the ensuing struggle, the boy lost his balance and fell into the oven. Some reports also suggest the accused may have used diesel to set the child ablaze during the confrontation. Family members pulled the screaming child out of the flames, but the damage was already extensive.
The Chhawani police registered a case on Thursday, April 16, following a written complaint from the boy’s maternal uncle, Devideen Nishad. The accused, who fled the scene immediately after the incident, has been booked under Section 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempt to murder. Harraiya Circle Officer (CO) Swanima Singh confirmed that multiple police teams are currently conducting raids to apprehend the absconding contractor. The incident has caused widespread outrage in the region, highlighting extreme safety concerns and the lack of oversight at local events.
