Patiala, July 17: Panic gripped Sanaur village in Patiala district late Wednesday night after a man allegedly set his own house on fire following a heated argument with his family.
The accused, identified as Balbir, reportedly locked himself inside the house and started the fire after his family refused to give him money. According to eyewitnesses, Balbir has a history of drug addiction and erratic behaviour, which had made him a source of constant concern for both his family and neighbours.
“He had been warned many times by the community, but nothing changed. Last night, things got out of control,” said a neighbour who witnessed the incident.
Residents immediately alerted the fire department, which arrived swiftly and doused the flames before they could spread to nearby homes.
No injuries were reported, though the incident has left the locality shaken. Authorities are expected to take legal action once the extent of damage is assessed and the family files a formal complaint.
