VIJAYAWADA: A middle-aged financier was set ablaze in broad daylight by an unidentified miscreant at his office in Vijayawada within Suryaraopet police station limits on Friday afternoon. The victim, Devarapalli Gagarin (54), who runs Ravi Teja finance company, was reportedly sitting in his office of company in Moon-Moon Plaza near Big Bazar Shopping mall when the shocking incident occurred.
Around 1 pm an unidentified youth, reported to be around 30 years of age, barged into the office, poured petrol on Gagarin and set him ablaze. The burning victim tried to catch hold of the accused as he fled the crime scene. The entire incident was caught on the surveillance camera installed in the corridor of the plaza.
“By seeing Gagarin caught on fire, neighbours poured water on him and doused the flames. He was later admitted to the nearby Andhra Hospitals,” said the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP- South zone) Ramana Murthy.
With more than 80 per cent burns, neighbours rushed Gagarin to the nearby hospital in an auto-rickshaw where doctors said his condition is critical.
“His condition is serious and he is not responding to treatment. Gagarin received burn injuries on the chest and stomach. We need 48 more hours to ascertain the status of his health,” said the doctors at the hospital.
Family members suspect that financial disputes between Gagarin and two people—Madala Suresh and Madala Sudhakar—over a property could be the reason for the murder attempt.
A few months ago, Gagarin purchased a property near Sikhamani center from Madala Narayana Rao. After the death of Narayana Rao, his two sons— Suresh and Sudhakar, raised objections to the property transaction between Gagarin and their father. They threatened to take legal action.
“They used to threaten us saying they would create trouble for purchasing the property. Several times, they warned us and today, they tried to kill Gagarin,” alleged family members. However, the police said the case is under investigation and refused to give any further comments.