KATHMANDU, July 22: What initially appeared to be a mysterious car fire in Kirtipur has, after hours of investigation, been determined to be a case of self-immolation, according to police.
Investigators from the Kathmandu District Police Office and the Kirtipur Police Circle said evidence gathered from CCTV footage, eyewitness testimony and forensic findings indicates that Suresh Chandra Shrestha intentionally set fire to the vehicle while inside it.
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According to the preliminary investigation, Shrestha drove his car (registration number Ba 5 Cha 3038) to Chandani Chowk in Tyanglaphant, Kirtipur, at around 11:20 AM. on Tuesday. He parked the vehicle on a vacant plot a short distance from the road. Moments later, flames were seen engulfing the interior of the car, prompting alarm among nearby residents.
Witnesses said a young passerby rushed toward the burning vehicle in an attempt to rescue Shrestha. CCTV footage captured the man trying to open the front door before being driven back by the intense heat. Police said he suffered burns to one of his hands while attempting to open the driver's side door.
Following a detailed review of the footage, physical evidence recovered from the scene and other technical findings, investigators said they found no signs of the involvement of any third party.
Based on the evidence, police have concluded that Shrestha died by self-immolation, bringing the investigation into the fatal incident to a close.
