A CNG auto-rickshaw parked outside a house in Barheta village, Bahadurpur block, Darbhanga district, suddenly caught fire late Friday night, completely destroying the vehicle. The incident came to light when the owner, Mantoo Mandal, woke up in the morning. A Dial-112 team arrived on the scene after being informed and is currently investigating the matter.

Mantoo Mandal stated that he had purchased the auto (BR07PD2979) on finance in 2025. The destruction of the auto has eliminated his sole source of livelihood. He has appealed to the administration for an impartial investigation into the incident and for financial assistance. Mandal also questioned the lack of police patrolling in the area, stating that anti-social elements and drug addicts frequent the locality, and such incidents occur due to irregular patrolling. He believes that continuous police patrolling could have prevented this incident.

Victim Neelam Devi emotionally explained that the auto's earnings supported her entire family and funded her children's education. Now, the family faces a severe financial crisis. She denied any enmity or dispute with anyone and pleaded with the administration for financial aid or a replacement vehicle to help her family get their life back on track. The police have asked the affected family to file an application at the station, based on which all aspects of the case will be investigated to determine the actual cause of the fire.