The Telangana police on Wednesday, March 8, arrested a man who had allegedly set his friend ablaze in Medak district for smearing colour on him during Holi festivities. Police booked the accused, Shabbir, under an attempt to murder case and sent him to judicial remand. The victim, B Ambadas, suffered 40% burns and is currently admitted at Osmania General Hospital. 

Amid Holi festivities in Regode village of Marepally Mandal in Medak district, a man allegedly set his friend on fire for smearing colour on him on Tuesday. According to media reports, B Ambadas and Md Shabbir are residents of Regode village of Marepally Mandal in Medak and have been friends for a while. On the occasion of Holi, Ambadas reportedly approached Shabbir to smear colours on him, however, Shabbir declined. 

“The accused warned that he would pour petrol on Ambadas if he applied colour but Ambadas insisted,” police told The Times of India. When Ambadas allegedly went ahead and applied colours on Shabbir, the latter allegedly poured petrol on Ambadas and set him ablaze, according to the police. Local residents tried to put out the fire and took the victim to Sangareddy Hospital. Ambadas was later shifted to Osmania General Hospital in Hyderabad. The condition of the victim is reportedly stable.