Jaspreet’s family hurt over claims of self incurred burn injuries

MELBOURNE - Family and friends of Indian origin man Jaspreet Singh, who was set ablaze outside his home in Australia, are hurt over Victoria Police’s alleged line of investigation that Singh might have set himself aflame.

Singh is recovering in Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital after undergoing surgery for burns on his face, hands and body that he sustained on Saturday. He told police that, at 2 a.m., four men had pushed him against his car, doused him in fluid and set him alight before fleeing along the street in city’s northern suburbs.

The Australian reports that it is understood police are investigating all possible causes of the fire, including that Singh lit the fire himself.

Singh’s wife Paramjeet Kaur and his friends said they were saddened by suggestions that he was not assaulted.

“It’s really traumatic. Why would he burn himself? He was a married man with a five-year-old child,” said friend Karun Singh, of the rumours.

Singh said his friend, whom he saw in hospital on Sunday, did not have financial problems and he ran a successful courier business.

On Sunday, Victorian Police Commissioner Simon Overland and Acting Premier Rob Hulls said people should not “jump to any conclusions” about the incident.

Detectives deny there is necessarily a racial element to the attack, saying the “alleged” assault is “a bit strange” and they are not ruling out anything in their investigations.

They are also searching for Singh’s burnt clothing, which could not be found at the crime scene, and are appealing for witnesses.

Neighbours’ reports have also added to the confusion. Some said they did not hear any fight, scuffle or attack, and they heard only the bang when the car exploded.

The incident made has made headlines, coming in the wake of the murder of 21-year-old Nitin Garg in Melbourne. Garg, 21, was attacked in a West Footscray park on his way to work at Hungry Jack’s in Geelong Rd on the weekend before last. (ANI)