Man jumps into childhood friend’s burning pyre in UP’s Firozabad, succumbs to 90% burns

Mahesh Singh, the in-charge of Nagla Khangar police station in Firozabad told The Indian Express over the phone: “Ashok’s body was taken to the cremation ground and the pyre was lit. Gradually, local residents and family members started leaving the spot, but Gaurav remained there.”

“Those who were at the cremation ground said that all of a sudden, Gaurav jumped into the burning pyre. Others rushed to save him, but he suffered severe burns. We will investigate the incident,” the officer said.

Gaurav’s elder brother Kamal Singh told the police that Ashok and Gaurav were together since childhood. “Both went to the same school and got married on the same day. Ashok was an expert drum (dholak) player while my brother used to accompany him with cymbals (manjeera). They were often invited to weddings and other social functions to play music.”

The police said Ashok was diagnosed with cancer six months ago and growing weakness made it difficult for him to accompany Gaurav to functions over the last one month. Ashok died early on Saturday in his native village of Madiya Nadiya. Gaurav, who resided in the adjoining Gadiya Panchwati village, rushed to his friend’s place soon after, officials said.

“We rushed our brother to a hospital in Agra, but he died on the way. He was cremated on Saturday evening in Gadiya Panchwati,” Kamal Singh added.

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