LUCKNOW: A 75-year-old man was burnt to death after a fire broke out at his house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow in the early hours of Monday. A mosquito-repellent incense stick is suspected to have triggered the fire, following which the house filled with smoke, trapping the elderly occupant inside.According to a statement issued by the Lucknow Police, the incident took place around 4.40 am at a house in Baba Hazara Bagh locality, under the jurisdiction of Thakurganj police station.The incident came to light after Mohammad Shad, son of Arif Saeed and a resident of house number 419/233 in Baba Hazara Bagh, approached the Thakurganj police station and informed the police about the fire.Acting on the information, the Thakurganj Station House Officer (SHO), along with a police team, immediately reached the spot and began an inspection.During the preliminary inquiry, local residents informed the police that the house belonged to Mohammad Ateeq, son of Mohammad Hanif, aged around 75, who lived alone.According to the police, preliminary findings suggest that a mosquito-repellent incense stick may have caused the fire. The smoke subsequently spread throughout the house, leaving Ateeq trapped inside.On noticing the fire, local residents rushed to the house and attempted to enter the premises. However, the channel gate was locked from inside. They broke the lock to gain access and managed to douse the flames. By then, however, Ateeq had sustained fatal burn injuries and died.Police personnel inspected the spot and collected relevant information as part of the preliminary investigation.The police subsequently completed the inquest proceedings and sent Ateeq’s body for post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.Police said further legal proceedings were underway. The suspected role of the mosquito-repellent incense stick in triggering the fire is being examined as part of the preliminary inquiry.
