Jhalawar, September 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A 40-year-old man from Rajasthan’s Jhalawar died after allegedly setting himself ablaze at the Maa Jwalamukhi Temple, a Shaktipeeth in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, on Thursday evening.
The deceased was identified as Ramdas, son of Gajanand. According to preliminary information, he allegedly poured petrol over himself and set himself on fire outside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple at around 7 p.m.
Ramdas suffered burns over nearly 70 per cent of his body. Temple staff and devotees present at the spot extinguished the flames and rushed him for medical treatment.
He was initially taken to Jwalamukhi Hospital and later referred to Tanda Medical College, where he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
SP Dehra Sandeep Dhaval said police reached the temple after receiving information about the incident and initiated an investigation. A forensic team also visited the site and collected evidence.
Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and other relevant aspects to determine what led to Ramdas allegedly setting himself on fire.
Personnel from the 108 ambulance service said Ramdas remained conscious while being taken to hospital and identified himself. He reportedly told them that he had travelled to the temple alone to offer prayers. Although he had difficulty speaking, he continued communicating his identity and other details.
Ramdas’s family said he had left his home around 15 months ago following a dispute. His uncle, Prahlad Chandel, said relatives searched for him at several places but were unable to trace him. Attempts to contact him on his mobile phone also did not yield any response.
Ramdas’s father, Gajanand, died around a decade ago. Ramdas had previously operated a scrap business before running a clothing store on Jail Road in Jhalawar.
He was married to Saloni, who works as a sanitation worker with the Jhalawar Municipal Council. The couple had a 12-year-old son, Rudra. Their daughter had died earlier.
Kotwali police informed Ramdas’s family about the incident on Thursday night, following which relatives left for Himachal Pradesh.
The investigation into the incident is underway.
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