Bhilwara: A 24-year-old imam allegedly poured petrol on a 48-year-old worshipper and set him ablaze at a mosque in Kalmanda village of Tonk district on Thursday.The victim, Hakeem Pinjara, suffered severe burns and is undergoing treatment at SMS Hospital in Jaipur. His condition was reported to be critical. According to police, Pinjara went to the bathroom in the mosque before namaz when the imam, Abid Abdul Rasheed, a resident of Bilara in Jodhpur district who was living in the mosque, attempted to burn him alive. The accused fled after the attack.Hearing the victim’s screams, people rushed to the spot, and called police. Cops from Diggi police station, including SHO Gopal Chaudhary, rushed to the spot and took Hakeem to Malpura hospital. He was later referred to Jaipur for treatment.Tonk SP Rajesh Kumar Meena said initial investigation indicated that the victim and the accused had an altercation the previous night.Police have registered a case and formed special teams to trace the accused. The teams are scanning CCTV cameras at the crime scene and surrounding areas. The SP said the motorcycle on which Rasheed fled had been identified, and he would be arrested soon. The motive behind the attack would be known only after the accused is arrested and the victim’s statement is recorded, the SP added.
