16 Luxury Cars Torched in Jhunjhunu; Uncle and Nephew Arrested, Bulldozer Action on Encroachment

Jhunjhunu is reeling in shock after a terrifying arson incident in which 16 luxury cars worth approximately ₹1.5 crore were set ablaze. The workshop owner claims the attack was carried out out of personal vendetta, which he had previously reported but the police had not acted upon. While the mastermind behind the crime remains at large, his uncle and nephew have been arrested. Additionally, police demolished illegal encroachments linked to the accused using a JCB.

Arson Sparks Panic Across the City
Late Saturday night, a gang of criminals set fire to 16 cars parked at Mannat Motors garage near Sageera Circle on the Churu-bound route in Jhunjhunu. Explosions and flames shook part of the city, drawing widespread attention. Three fire engines from the municipal council battled the blaze for nearly 90 minutes before bringing it under control. The tin shed of the workshop melted, tools and machines were reduced to ashes, and only a thick layer of soot remained on the walls. Within minutes, the gleaming vehicles were turned into charred wrecks.

Allegations of Police Negligence
Workshop owner Nasir Rathore estimated a loss of ₹1–1.5 crore. Speaking to the media, he alleged that Anil Kumawat and his associates were behind the attack. Rathore claimed that the culprits had previously vandalized his workshop and Mannat Hotel, providing CCTV footage to the city police, but no effective action was taken. Emboldened, the criminals returned on Saturday night to torch the cars.

Police Take Swift Action
In response, the Jhunjhunu police launched a rapid crackdown. ASP Devendra Rajawat, DSP Gopal Singh Dhaka, City Police Officer Mukesh Neel, and the team worked tirelessly to apprehend the culprits. By Sunday evening, two associates of the mastermind were arrested. The police have deployed four teams to track down Anil Kumawat and other absconding accomplices. FSL teams are examining traces of flammable substances, with initial findings pointing to petrol or kerosene as the accelerants.

Mastermind’s Family in Custody, Encroachment Removed
City Police Officer Shravan Kumar confirmed that Anil Kumawat’s brother Vinod Kumawat and nephew Nikhil were taken into custody and are being interrogated. During the operation, police also demolished an illegal shop built by Vinod Kumawat using a JCB. Counters, freezers, and other materials were seized, and two family members were temporarily detained for obstructing the action. Children nearby were seen collecting discarded soft drink bottles during the demolition.

History of Previous Attacks
The police noted that on 14 November, Anil Kumawat and his associates had vandalized a Scorpio owned by Imran Bharu. Following this, Anil and another accomplice were arrested but later released on bail. Afterward, Anil resumed attacks, including throwing stones and kerosene bottles at Mannat Motors and Mannat Restaurant, culminating in the massive arson last Saturday. Authorities say Anil Kumawat will be apprehended soon.

Jhunjhunu’s residents are urged to remain vigilant as police continue the search for the remaining culprits and assess the full extent of the damage.