Dramatic scenes unfolded in Wazirabad on Saturday after a motorcycle-rickshaw driver set his vehicle on fire following the issuance of a traffic challan, with the entire incident captured on video by a 24 NewsHD TV channel reporter.
The incident took place at Allah Wale Chowk, where a traffic warden had issued a challan ticket to a rickshaw driver for violating traffic laws. Police said the Qingqi rickshaw was unregistered and did not have a number plate, prompting legal action.
Eyewitness footage shows that the rickshaw was yellow in color and fitted with a motorcycle at the front. The driver reportedly poured fuel and set fire to the petrol tank of the bike attached to the Qingqi.
As a result, the motorcycle caught fire, with flames blackening the seat and petrol tank area, while the rear portion of the rickshaw remained largely undamaged.
In the widely circulated videos, a member of the fire extinguisher squad can be seen attempting to put out the blaze using a red fire extinguisher. Rescue officials arrived swiftly and managed to control the fire before it spread further.
The footage also shows police officers reaching the scene as more than 40 people gathered around, recording videos of the incident on their mobile phones. Police are seen instructing the crowd to stop filming and clear the area.
Meanwhile, the rickshaw driver, identified by sources as Azhar Iqbal, is seen standing calmly behind the crowd, appearing baffled but composed. In the video, the reporter points him out to the police, after which officers take notice of him.
Police confirmed that the driver was taken into custody following the incident. Authorities stated that legal proceedings are underway, and the matter is being investigated further.
Reporter: Nayyar Alam