PATNA: In a shocking incident, a 12-year-old boy died and his father sustained severe burns after being allegedly set on fire in their home at Kachora village in Bihar's Katihar district.
The deceased has been identified as Sunil Kumar Mandal.
Sunil's father, 45-year-old Ram Kalyan Mandal, is battling for his life in Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Bhagalpur's burn ward.
According to police, both the man and his son were sleeping on the veranda of their house on Thursday when unidentified assailants allegedly sprinkled petrol on them and set them ablaze.
Other family members, who were sleeping inside, rushed out on hearing screams. Villagers quickly gathered and managed to douse the flames.
The victims were first taken to the Primary Health Centre in Durgaganj and later referred to Katihar Sadar Hospital.
As their condition worsened, they were shifted to Bhagalpur, where Sunil succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
The incident has plunged the village into mourning. Family members allege foul play, though the motive remains unclear.