Mumbai:
Constable Anil Aitiwadekar, who was set ablaze by auto-rickshaw driver Mahendra Kevat in a horrific incident of road rage, died at a hospital in Vasai, Mumbai on Wednesday.
One week ago, the traffic constable had stopped Kevat and asked for his papers. Kevat, who couldn't produce the required documents, was fined by Anil. This enraged Kevat and he returned after a while with two bottles and splashed the contents on Anil, setting him on fire, eyewitnesses said.
The constable was admitted to the hospital immediately with 60 percent burns.
Eyewitnesses also said that they made an attempt to nab Kevat after the incident but he escaped.
"He came with two Bisleri bottles and threw the contents on the cop. He caught fire instantly. I chased him and grabbed his clothes but he kicked me on my head and escaped. He was alone," said an eyewitness to the incident.
Kevat was arrested on Thursday morning and remanded to police custody till November 3.
Kevat is believed to be a habitual offender. This is not the first time he has been booked. He was also arrested in March 2008 for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl and was out on bail.