Imam sets worshipper ablaze inside Tonk mosque, accused on the run

A shocking incident unfolded in Tonk district on Thursday, where a 24-year-old imam allegedly poured petrol on a worshipper and set him on fire inside a mosque in Kalmanda village. The victim, Hakeem Pinjara (48), sustained severe burn injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at SMS Hospital, where his condition remains critical.

According to police, the incident took place just before namaz when the victim had gone to the bathroom within the mosque premises. The accused, identified as Abid Abdul Rasheed, who had been residing in the mosque, allegedly carried out the attack before fleeing the scene immediately afterwards.

Hearing the victim’s screams, locals rushed to the spot and alerted the police. Officers from Diggi police station reached the scene promptly and shifted the injured man to a nearby hospital before he was referred to Jaipur for advanced treatment. Preliminary findings suggest that an altercation between the victim and the accused had taken place the previous night.

Police have registered a case and launched a manhunt to trace the accused. Special teams have been formed, and CCTV footage from the area is being examined. Officials said the motorcycle used by the accused to escape has been identified, and further details regarding the motive are expected after his arrest and the victim’s statement.