A 24-year-old man is fighting for his life in RIMS after he was set on fire by his girlfriend in a car they were travelling in near Jhakhratanda under Ratu police station area, about 20km from here, on Saturday.

Police said Deepak Sahu sustained burns in his face and hand after Sushila Kumari Munda (26) poured petrol on him and set him on fire for allegedly denying their relationship.

Sushila, who escaped from the car soon after the incident, is still absconding.

Officer-in-charge of Ratu police station Manoj Kumar Rai said both Deepak and Sushila were residents of Thakurgaon.

“We haven’t been able to ascertain the reason behind this shocking act because the woman escaped soon after the incident. We have seized the charred vehicle,” Rai said.

A local resident, however, said Deepak’s refusal to accept their affair enraged the woman.

“The couple were headed for Ratu from Thakurgaon on an Omni van belonging to Sahu. At Jhakhratand, Sushila gave a piece of paper to Deepak to inform him about her pregnancy. However, Deepak was not ready to accept the responsibility. A furious Sushila poured petrol on Deepak and set him on fire. When the flames began to engulf the car, she opened the door and escaped,” the resident said.

He said the villagers doused the fire, rescued Deepak and rushed him to a local nursing home, from where police took him to RIMS.

A villager said Sahu was a driver while Sushila was a daily wager.

SP (rural) Ashutosh Shekhar said, “The matter is under investigation. Everything will become clear once the girl is questioned. The injured is undergoing treatment at the burns unit of RIMS and is not a position to speak.”